Filmmakers are usually in a perpetual quest for their film locations.
And some groups of people are best able to advise them where to film: tour guides, and particularly the local guides.
However sometimes, this relationship is the other way round. Films bring tour guides and tourists to the film locations; creating film tourism.
Film induced tourism often refers to visits to specific sites where films were shot or visits to locations which are featured in films. Films also play a wider role by influencing a visitor’s choice of holiday destination, promoting a country and showcasing what it has to offer visitors.
Desert Locales
In Jandagh county, Isfahan Province, are located two villages of Farahzad, and Mesr, where part of the film” Very Far, Very Near” directed by Reza Mirkarimi, was shot some ten years ago.
The film bagged prizes, and the place became a tourist spot!
The dusty route from Jandagh to Mesr is deserted but scenic enough for the filmmakers escaping modernity. The only ‘modern scene’ you may encounter on the way is some cyclist eco-tourist passing by.
One also sees some other desert villages like Garme, and Arousan around. Additionally, there is a beautiful reed field, and for sure, gigantic sand hills, which attract locals on motorbikes and tourists with their sand skis (Don’t be fooled. There is no equipment for sand skiing!). But there is good accommodation in place, and local guides who know everywhere best.
They may offer you a tour on camelback from Mesr to Arusan village to experience the serenity of the desert and see some good film locales.
Good Example
A good example of high-level film tourism in the world is illustrated by The Lord of the Rings-films shot in New Zealand.
According to USA Today, the number of the country’s tourists rose from 1.7 million in 2000 to 2.4 million in 2006. To a very large extent, this 40% boost is attributed to the success of The Lord of the Rings films.
