Authorization for Filming and Photography

At the Shrines under the care of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land

Submission Requirements

Requests for filming and photography projects must be submitted to the Christian Information Center (CIC) at least 7 working days prior to the proposed filming date.

The application must include:

A description of the project, including the purpose of the filming, relevant details of the shoot, and distribution plans.
If necessary, a cover letter can be attached to further clarify the purpose and intended use of the footage.

Approval Process

Submission of an application does not guarantee approval.

If the Director grants approval, a written permission will be provided. This document must be presented to the Friar in charge at each Shrine where filming/photography is permitted.

The Friar will specify the areas where filming/photography is allowed.

Approved permits can be collected at the CIC desk between 9:00 and 15:30, Monday through Friday.

Confirmation of Arrangements

Once the permit is granted, the contact person for the project should contact the Friar in charge of the Shrine one to three days prior to the approved date to confirm the schedule, details, and any other necessary arrangements.

Fees

A non-refundable fee of $150 is to be paid in cash at the Christian Information Center. A receipt will be provided upon payment.

Special Requirements for the Holy Sepulcher & Basilica of the Nativity

For filming/photography at the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem) and the Basilica of the Nativity (Bethlehem): In addition to the permission of the CIC, separate authorization is required from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate.

Each Patriarchate requires an additional fee.

Permits are not valid unless you have the approval of all three Entities.

Respect for Sacred Spaces

The Holy Shrines are places of silence and prayer and should not be treated as museums, tourist attractions, or for any other secular reason.

Modest dress is mandatory.

Filming/Photography Restrictions

Filming during religious services and of pilgrims is prohibited.

If you wish to film/photograph your own group, you must reserve a time for Mass or prayer through the Franciscan Pilgrims’ Office (fpo@cicts.org). If you are with an agency, the agency organizing the group should facilitate the reservation.

If you are not part of a group, you may be asked to make a reservation at the FPO, according to the needs of your request and the discretion of the Director.

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited:

Filming without a permit;
Reading texts or excerpts, except with prior permission;
Conducting interviews, except with prior consent;
Note: These restrictions do not apply if you have a reservation for Mass or prayer through the Franciscan Pilgrims’ Office. In such cases, filming is only allowed during the designated time and within the specified area;
In some cases, reading from Biblical texts or conducting interviews may be allowed. Please discuss this with the person in charge of the permits;
Filming of individuals who are at the sanctuary for prayer is strictly prohibited.

Copy of Audiovisual Material

The CIC reserves the right to request a copy of any audiovisual material recorded in the shrine.

Use of 360° Cameras & Drones

The use of 360° cameras and drones is permitted only with prior authorization and in compliance with national law. You may be required to submit a copy of your drone permit.

Filming with a drone is prohibited by law in Jerusalem.

Revocation of Permissions

The Christian Information Center reserves the right to revoke any permissions granted if the terms and conditions outlined above are not adhered to.

Unauthorized use of footage or images for purposes other than those specified in the original request and approved by the Director may result in legal action.

Useful contacts:

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Road
P.O.B. 19632, Jerusalem
Tel: +972 (0)2-6274941
Fax: +972 (0)2-6282048
E-mail: secretariat@jerusalem-patriarchate.info

The Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate
Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate Road
P.O.B. 14001, Jerusalem
Tel: +972 (0)2-6282331
Fax: +972 (0)2-6264861
E-mail: patriarchateofjerusalem@yahoo.com

Complete the application form below to request permission for filming.

Request Permission for Filming

Filming Details

Name of the Film / TV Production(Required)

Producer(Required)

Distributor(Required)

Co-Producer(Required)

Release Date(Required)

Distribution(Required)

Shooting details(Required)

Date

Timetables

Site

Note

Production Details

Contact Name(Required)

Contact Role(Required)

City(Required)

Country(Required)

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Number of Competitors(Required)

Equipment Used for Filming(Required)

Description of the Project(Required)

Provide a detailed description of the project / purpose of the shoot: we ask you to be specific.

Supporting Documents
Please send any supporting documents related to your filming project directly to filmingpermission@cicts.org .

I am aware of the following conditions and fees:

Filming and photography are permitted only at the shrines indicated on the attached Permission.
For films, a detailed written declaration is required. Such declaration shall include a description of the film, the storyline, and a transcript of the scenes in the holy shrines.
For films, a detailed written declaration is required. Such declaration shall include a description of the film, the storyline, and a transcript of the scenes in the holy shrines.
For the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem) and the Basilica of the Nativity (Bethlehem), in addition to permission from the CIC, separate permissions must be obtained from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Armenian Patriarchate. A separate fee applies for each Patriarchate. Deposits are non-refundable.
It is not permitted to film inside archaeological sites under the jurisdiction of the Custody of the Holy Land.
The Holy Shrines are places of silence and prayer; they may not be treated as museums, tourist amenities, or used for any other secular purpose. Modest dress is required.
Filming during religious services or filming pilgrims is not allowed. Those wishing to film their own pilgrim group must have a reservation for Mass or a time of prayer through the Franciscan Pilgrims' Office: fpo@cicts.org. The agency arranging the group should facilitate this as well. If you are not with a group but are requesting to film at a sanctuary, you may also be asked to make a reservation, depending on your request and at the discretion of the Director. See below for further details.
The following are strictly forbidden: filming scenes involving people, reading texts or extracts, and conducting interviews. This restriction does not apply if you have a Mass or prayer booking through the Franciscan Pilgrims' Office. However, filming is permitted only during the specified time and within the designated area of your booking. It is not permitted to film others who are at the sanctuary for prayer.
The CIC reserves the right to request a copy of any audiovisual material recorded in the shrines.
The use of 360° cameras and drones is strictly forbidden.
Productions using photographs or footage must not undermine or contradict the Catholic Church, its mission, or its teachings.
The CIC & the friar in charge of the shrine reserve the right at any time to cancel permissions issued due to non-compliance with the above-stated regulations. The use of footage or photographs for purposes other than those stated in the original request and approved by the Director may result in legal action.