Cape Town: The City Council has approved the new City of Cape Town Filming By-law that has been promulgated and will come into effect in the new month from Nov 01, 2025. The new by-law will replace the recently repealed Filming By-law of 2005.
Reportedly, the new Filming By-law will allow the Film Permit Office to manage filming activity in better way on private and public property. It will also insist the Film Office to balance the economic benefits of filming activities with the needs of residents and businesses to mitigate any short-term nuisances linked to filming.
Whereas, during this time the permitting officers will play a crucial role in assisting both residents and the film industry by managing the impact of filming activities and ensuring a balanced approach that respects community concerns while also supporting permitted productions.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that the Film Industry Landscape has evolved since the promulgation of the Filming By-law in 2005 and as the City of Cape Town, they always wanted the legislation to align with current industry standards.
These amendments are also in line with the Film Policy of the City of Cape Town that is approved by the council in 2022, which called for more efficient management and regulation of film-related activities.
Smith expressed that they believe these changes will provide comfort to all residents, who are affected by the role-players and stakeholders. Right now, they are managing the film permitting processes in an efficient, effective and sustainable manner that tasks their rights into consideration.
The Events and Film Department, in consultation with the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee has formulated a document that streamlines the permission process for the film industry, while also addressing the concerns of residents.
Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee – Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe said that when they started the process of reviewing the filming by-law they wanted to ensure that they have found a balance between the rights of residents and will provide an environment that is enabling the film industry to thrive.
During the public participation process, they heard the voices of the residents and of those who are representing the film industry. Also, they have produced a framework that will be fair to both.
The process will ensure that the City of Cape Town can act against those who fail to comply and institute fines for contravening the Filming By-law.
Notably, City of Cape Town’s Filming By-law aims to:
- Manage and regulate filming activities on private and public property in an effective, consistent and sustainable manner.
- Also, to identify the types of filming activities that require a film permit.
- Simplify the film permit application and appeals process.
- Allow the City of Cape Town to act in order to ensure compliance.
- Protect the City of Cape Town and authorise the city officials when carrying out any duty or function in terms of the By-law.
The Filming By-law will foster an efficient and safe environment for filming that benefits the film industry, local businesses and the public, while strengthening the relationship between the local government, residents and industry stakeholders.