NFVF Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Blennies, has resigned from his position for personal reasons.
Image: X/Nfvfsa
Recently appointed National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Blennies, has resigned from his position.
In a statement, the NFVF council revealed that Blennies resigned on May 27, 2025, for personal reasons. He was appointed CEO in April.
“Rest assured that we as your Council are addressing the matter with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and continue to work towards ensuring stability and growth within our organisation.
“Council encourages staff to keep a positive outlook, despite our challenges and rest assured that we will communicate all relevant updates timeously.”
Blennies also serves on the board of Boxing SA, which is also under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The department’s outspoken minister Gayton McKenzie is yet to publicly comment on Blennies’ resignation.
In recent months the NFVF has been rocked by scandals facing scrutiny over nepotism and mismanagement.
The NFVF is accused of inappropriately appointing council members without consultations, allocating funds to those internally connected, leading to calls for NFVF to be audited, and council and staff members suspected to be conflicted to be recused from projects where they allegedly have interests.
Speaking to IOL, Cape Town-based writer and director Weaam Williams said following the departure of the previous permanent CEO, the NFVF has undergone three interim appointments.
Williams explained that the African Film DAO lobby group previously expressed its concerns regarding the expired term of the former NFVF Council and advocated for their resignation.
"Our organisation welcomed the dissolution of the previous council, as we are committed to the democratisation of the film industry and the elimination of corruption.
"However, the subsequent appointment of the current council by McKenzie appears to have deviated from the protocols established in the NFVF Act.
"It is important to acknowledge that any individual assuming the role of CEO will inherit substantial and long-standing issues related to corruption, potentially including ongoing legal proceedings," she said.
Williams said this situation is a significant concern for numerous filmmakers who are deeply frustrated by the apparent nepotism prevalent at various levels within the organisation, including among staff members.
Furthermore, she said, industry guilds and stakeholders are actively contesting the current structure of the NFVF.
"We have made repeated attempts to initiate mediation with the NFVF; however, we have not yet received a response. As the African Film DAO, our aspiration is to find an amicable resolution that benefits our industry and establishes transparent, merit-based funding solutions," Williams said.
IOL Entertainment