The Fijian government has earmarked $10.3 million in the 2025-2026 National Budget to bolster the film and television sector through its ongoing tax rebate initiative. During his address concerning the 2025-2026 Appropriation Bill, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica outlined that this financial support aims at facilitating both current productions and addressing overdue rebate payouts from past ventures.
This budget allocation is particularly significant as it comes at a time when Fiji is actively working to maintain its competitive edge in the global film industry. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Fiji is currently the filming location for popular productions such as “Survivor Season 48” and “Love Island Games Season One.”
As the government strives to settle a prior rebate liability that has swelled to approximately $200 million from previous administrations, the rebates provided have been adjusted from 75 percent down to 20 percent to mitigate excessive costs. Although immediate payments may not transpire this financial year, Kamikamica expressed an intention to gradually resolve the outstanding liabilities through budgetary measures.
Exploring the current landscape further, insights from Film Fiji’s Chief Executive, Jone Robertson, shed light on the stiff competition Fiji faces from countries that offer more attractive incentives for filmmakers. Notably, nations like Thailand provide higher cash rebates with no caps, potentially displacing Fiji’s competitive position. Nonetheless, the durability of Fiji’s relationship with major shows like “Survivor” and “Love Island USA” showcases its unique attributes, such as stunning locations and community engagement.
Promisingly, Fiji’s audiovisual industry contributed around $255 million to the economy last year and has created approximately 1,200 jobs through foreign projects. The proactive stance of the Fijian government in enhancing support for both international productions and local creators signifies a commitment to fruitfully expand and strengthen Fiji’s foothold in the global film marketplace.
As Fiji navigates these complex dynamics, there is optimism that with increased incentives and continued collaboration, the country can thrive as a prime location for film and television production, enriching not only the economy but also its vibrant cultural narrative.
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