Sector Antártico Argentino

Argentina is a bicontinental territory, comprising part of the American Continent and part of the Antarctic Continent. Ushuaia, the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur is known as the gateway to the white continent. Hundreds of tourist cruises and scientific and military ships dock at its port before and after their journey to Antártida.The Antarctic season begins in October and ends in mid-April. To preserve the environment and cooperation on this continent, the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959, which strictly determines and regulates all activities that can be carried out there. No civilians live there permanently, but scientific, technical, military, and teaching personnel are stationed at the various Antarctic Bases, conducting scientific research and promoting international cooperation. Sector Antártico Argentino extends between the meridians 74° W and 25! W, the parallel 60° S, and the South Pole. The Argentine Republic administers thirteen (13) bases in Antarctica, seven (7) of which are permanent (operational all year round) and the rest are temporary (operational only in summer). Filming in Antarctica is not an easy task. Due to logistical issues, it is impossible to think of a traditional fiction shoot with large technical teams taking place on the white continent. However, it is possible to consider filming that requires small teams. It is also important to note that the season for filming is during the summer when temperatures are not as harsh. To reach Antarctica, the ideal option is to rent a private sailboat departing from the port of Ushuaia, as it will provide complete freedom to move around. It is important to note that these rentals are extremely expensive and their demand must be anticipated well in advance, as they usually have trips scheduled one or two years ahead. Another option to reach the white continent is aboard one of the official missions that travel to Antarctica as part of Argentine Antarctic scientific activities. In this case, it should be noted that it is not easy to secure a spot, as these missions are in high demand. It can take several years to achieve this, and if successful, it is unlikely to secure a place for more than one or two people. Additionally, the trip will be conditioned by the mission’s itinerary and schedule. Finally, one might consider the possibility of boarding a tourist cruise departing from Ushuaia and touring Antarctica. In this case, the filming opportunities will also be tied to the cruise’s itinerary, but it might be the most accessible way to get there. In all cases, it is recommended to contact the National Antarctic Directorate and/or the Argentine Antarctic Institute, both dependent on the Argentine Foreign Ministry. In summary, firming in Antarctica is a difficult but not impossible task. Achieving it depends on having a solid productions plan and not getting discouraged along the way.