Latest news with #NFVF
News24
3 days ago
- Business
- News24
NFVF CEO Vincent Blennies resigns just one month into role, citing ‘personal reasons'
Vincent Blennies resigned as the CEO of the NFVF just one month after his appointment due to personal reasons. His appointment came amid instability following the resignation of former CEO Thobela Mayinje, who faced various allegations. Despite lacking experience in the film industry, Blennies was chosen for his extensive leadership background across healthcare, telecommunications, and financial services. Vincent Blennies resigned from his position as CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) just one month after his appointment. The foundation said in a statement that Blennies 'has resigned from his position on 27 May 2025, for personal reasons.' '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,' ended the statement by the NFVF. In addition to his role at the new NFVF, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie appointed him to Boxing South Africa's board in November 2024. Blennies' appointment came after former CEO Thobela Mayinje abruptly quit amid an investigation into numerous allegations. The NFVF, backed by the DSAC, funds and helps the local film business develop, produce, market, and distribute local content. While Blennies took on the role without a clear background or experience in the industry, the NFVF said he 'brings over 25 years of C-suite leadership experience in the healthcare, telecommunications, and financial services sectors' to the agency. They added, 'His appointment ushers in a renewed era of stability and strategic direction.' NFVF's new CEO, Mr Vincent Blennies, is a private sector professional and PhD candidate whose experience in telecomms, banking and fund management in the healthcare sector, will drive refreshed energy into the NFVF and lead it to deliver on its 5-year strategic plan. #LoveSAFilm — National Film & Video Foundation #NFVF (@nfvfsa) April 16, 2025 The embattled foundation has experienced several crises over the years. Mayinje, who had been acting as CEO for over a year and a half, was placed on 'administrative leave' in July 2024 for an 'investigation for numerous allegations.' Last year, McKenzie disbanded the NFVF Council, which was replaced with new board members.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Catalonia at Cannes: The Rise of a Cinematic Powerhouse
For the first time in history, two films from Catalan producers, Carla Simón's 'Romería' and Oliver Laxe's 'Sirat,' have secured coveted spots in the main competition at Cannes. This milestone signals the fruition of years of strategic investment, education and international collaboration that has transformed Catalonia into an emerging force of European auteur cinema. More from Variety Spcine Links With Hubert Bals Fund, South Africa's NFVF on Co-Development Initiatives 'Shōgun' Star Cosmo Jarvis to Lead 'Young Stalin' Biopic From 'Zone of Interest' Producer Access Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE) Al Pacino Joins Bobby Moresco-Directed Biopic 'Maserati: The Brothers' 'It's wonderful that things like this are happening, but it's not by chance,' says Oriol Maymó, the Catalan producer of 'Sirat' at Corte y Confección. 'This is the result of an industry that's been working with passion for many years, from institutions like ICEC [Catalan Institute for the Cultural Companies] to audiovisual training centers like ESCAC and Pompeu Fabra. Year after year, these schools produce highly skilled technicians and artists.' Indeed, education and institutional support form the backbone of Catalonia's cinematic surge. Executive producer Sandra Tapia points out, 'First, you need talent. Then, you need opportunities for training. Here, both public universities and film schools have been trusted for years to develop that talent.' The Catalan government, via ICEC, has played a pivotal role by not only financing productions but also promoting Catalan cinema internationally through Catalan Films. However, it's not just creative nurturing that's paying off. Catalonia's embrace of international co-productions has opened doors to broader markets. Both 'Romería' and 'Sirat' are backed by significant European co-producers, making them highly attractive prospects for global audiences. 'Romería' producer Maria Zamora highlights the long-term vision behind this shift, explaining, 'This is the confirmation of a new generation of directors and producers who have spent years working on the international reach of our projects from the very beginning, co-producing with other countries.' Zamora also emphasizes the cultural policies supporting young talent development: 'Talent isn't born on its own. It's encouraged through very specific cultural policies aimed at supporting young talent and auteur cinema.' Commercially, the effects are already visible. Maymó notes, 'I think Catalan films are becoming more marketable. Distributors and sales agents are paying closer attention because more projects are being made for wider audiences without losing their unique perspectives.' The creative evolution is palpable in the films themselves. 'Sirat,' co-written by Santiago Fillol and directed by Laxe, takes a gritty journey through Morocco's rave culture, while 'Romería' blends deeply personal memory with a universal search for identity. Though rooted in specific cultures, both films manage to resonate internationally. 'Very strong and deep-rooted cultures like Catalan, Galician or Basque create highly particular and genuine local stories that, because of their truthfulness, become universal,' Zamora explains. Sandra Tapia, an executive producer at Oscar-nominated Barcelona-based 'Robot Dreams' production company Arcadia Motion Pictures, adds another crucial dimension: the role of public broadcasters. TV3, Catalonia's regional television partner, has been instrumental in maintaining production momentum even as streaming platforms scale back commissions. 'Having strong public TV is crucial,' Tapia asserts. 'It ensures that when the market contracts, filmmakers still have vital support.' Of course, the success at Cannes also reflects the growing sophistication of Catalan producers in navigating international markets. 'Younger producers like us are much more comfortable traveling to markets, pitching internationally and co-producing across countries,' Tapia says. However, she points out a lingering challenge: Spain still lacks the robust international distribution support that countries like France provide. 'Public support often only kicks in once you've already succeeded at a major festival,' Tapia laments. Yet the momentum is undeniable. Zamora describes it as a movement that has been building strength for years: 'I remember when I started going to co-production forums 15 years ago, there were just two or three Spanish producers. Now, there are scores of young producers with projects everywhere.' Catalonia's cosmopolitan nature has also made it uniquely adept at building cross-border partnerships. 'Catalonia has been very open to supporting important and emerging auteurs,' Zamora notes. 'It's about more than just local projects – it's about packaging important productions that can resonate internationally.' The selection of 'Romería' and 'Sirat' at Cannes isn't an outlier. It is a manifestation of a rich, deliberate evolution within Catalan cinema, one that values artistic ambition and commercial strategy equally. As Maymó puts it, 'If we keep believing in our industry, investing in broad-audience projects without losing our personal voice, Catalonia's presence at major festivals will not just continue, it will grow.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Catalonia Serves Up Its Best at Cannes
Catalonia will cast a large shadow over this year's Cannes. Here's a look at its titles in the festival and accompanying Marché du Film. CANNES FESTIVAL More from Variety Catalonia at Cannes: The Rise of a Cinematic Powerhouse Spcine Links With Hubert Bals Fund, South Africa's NFVF on Co-Development Initiatives 'Shōgun' Star Cosmo Jarvis to Lead 'Young Stalin' Biopic From 'Zone of Interest' Producer Access Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE) 'Magellan,' Lav Díaz (Spain, Portugal, Philippines) Screening in Cannes Premiere, Gael Garcia Bernal-starrer 'Magalhães' is a historical epic about the life and voyages of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The film is a collaboration among multiple production companies, including the Catalan-based Andergraun Films, and showcases Lav Díaz's distinct, slow-cinema style in tackling historical material. Sales: Luxbox 'Romería,' Carla Simón (Spain) Part of Berlin Golden Bear-winner Simón's autobiographical trilogy, 'Romería' follows Marina, a young woman adopted at a young age, who travels to Vigo to meet her biological father's family for the first time. The film continues the deeply personal storytelling tradition that won Simón international acclaim with 'Alcarràs' and 'Summer 1993.' Sales: MK2 'Sirat,' Oliver Laxe (Spain, Portugal, France) After his Cannes Un Certain Regard win with 'Fire Will Come,' Oliver Laxe returns with 'Sirat,' a project shrouded in mystery but produced by major industry players like Pedro Almodóvar's El Deseo and Movistar Plus. In Cannes' main competition, the film promises Laxe's signature contemplative style and visually immersive landscapes. Sales: The Match Factory 'Sleepless City,' Guillermo Galoe (Spain, France) Debuting in Critics' Week, Guillermo Galoe's first feature, 'Sleepless City,' from Sintagma, Buenapinta Media, Encanta and BTeam Prods in Spain. The film explores the plight of a Romani family in one of Europe's largest illegal slums on the outskirts of Madrid. Sales: Best Friends Forever 'The Sorceress Echo,' Marc Camardons (Spain) Selected for La Cinéf, 'The Sorceress Echo' is a short film produced by ESCAC, one of Catalonia's most prominent film schools. A tale with supernatural roots from a first-time filmmaker, the title's selection marks it as another promising work from an emerging Catalan filmmaker. '+10k,' Gala Hernández (Spain, France) '+10k,' a short film playing Directors' Fortnight, is a new work by Gala Hernández. Produced by 15-L Films and Don Quichotte Films, it follows a 21-year-old who lives with his mother but is seduced by ultra-modern get-rich-quick schemes. MARCHÉ DU FILM 'Face of Grace,' Anna Martí Domingo and Laura Santos Martí (Spain) Included in the Focus COPRO' selection within Cinéma de Demain, 'Face of Grace' is produced by Allegra Pictures and Nocturna Pictures. The project exemplifies emerging Catalan talent at Cannes, offering a glimpse into new narrative voices committed to fresh cinematic language. 'The Flight of the Stork,' Soumaya Hidalgo Djahdou, Berta Vicente Salas (Spain) Another documentary participating in Cannes Docs, 'The Flight of the Stork' is produced by Migranta Films. It examines a mother-daughter relationship as a young woman of Algerian descent prepares for a trip to her homeland for Ramadan. Sales: Angencia Freak 'We Were a Great Family,' Chiara Marañón, Juan Soto Taborda, Cristina Rosselló (Spain) This documentary feature is part of Cannes Docs' Spanish Showcase for documentaries in progress. Produced by LaCima Producciones and Sandelion Productions, the film revisits Spanish history under dictator Francisco Franco through intimate family videos recorded between 1942 and 1999. Sales: Begin Again Films 'Who Knows?' Carlo Padial (Spain) Presented within the Frontières Proof of Concept section at the Marché du Film, 'Who Knows?' is a genre-driven project co-written with film critic and screenwriter Desirée de Fez. Produced by Catalunya Federation Studios and Federation Spain, this concept teases a bridge between European and North American markets for genre cinema. '1999,' David Casademunt (Spain) Selected for Fantastic 7, David Casademunt's '1999' is a high-concept fantasy project, with production led by Coming Soon Films and Anonymous Content Spain. Known for his genre expertise, Casademunt's new project further solidifies the Catalan presence – the region hosts the prestigious Sitges Film Festival for genre works – in the growing market for elevated genre storytelling. SHORT FILM CORNER 'Made of Sugar,' Clàudia Cedó (Spain) Part of Shortcat 2025 at the Short Film Corner, 'Made of Sugar' is produced by Lastor Media ('Alcarràs') and Suica Films. The short showcases Cedó's talents and reflects the diverse range of contemporary Catalan storytelling styles. 'The Prince,' Àlex Sardà (Spain, Canada) Also in Shortcat 2025, 'The Prince' by Àlex Sardà is a co-production between 15-L Films and Canadian partners, broadening the international network for Catalan short filmmakers. 'Skin Despair,' Mireia Vilapuig (Spain) From Nanouk Films ('This Is Not Sweden'), 'Skin Despair' joins the Shortcat 2025 lineup, addressing deeply emotional and potentially provocative themes through its title and artistic ambitions. 'Our Room,' Jaume Claret (Spain) Produced by budding director Claret ('Strange River') and Dvein Films, Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola, and Miramemira, 'Our Room' promises a collaborative and interdisciplinary storytelling effort under Shortcat 2025. 'Mater Benefacta,' Marc Riba and Anna Solanas (Spain) From I+G Stop Motion, 'Mater Benefacta' highlights the longstanding strength of Catalan stop-motion animation, brought into focus at this year's Shortcat showcase. 'Where There is No Light,' Julia Garcia (Spain) Produced by Corte A Films, 'Where There is No Light' rounds out the Shortcat 2025 selection, continuing the tradition of innovative, auteur-driven short films representing Catalonia on the global stage. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Spcine Links With Hubert Bals Fund, South Africa's NFVF on Co-Development Initiatives
'Our goal is to keep supporting São Paulo's — and by extension, Brazil's — presence on the global audiovisual stage. We want our films, stories, and professionals to be seen, recognized, and valued worldwide,' says Spcine CEO Lyara Oliveira. One milestone move in international outreach looks set to be made at the Cannes' Marché du Film, where Spcine and South Africa's National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) will launch a joint call for submissions for a pilot international co-development program. More from Variety 'Shōgun' Star Cosmo Jarvis to Lead 'Young Stalin' Biopic From 'Zone of Interest' Producer Access Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE) Al Pacino Joins Bobby Moresco-Directed Biopic 'Maserati: The Brothers' Tessa Thompson to Present First-Ever Cannes Golden Globe Prize for Documentary (EXCLUSIVE) In Cannes, Spcine and Brazil's Riofilme and Projeto Paradiso will reveal a development scheme in partnership with Rotterdam's Hubert Bals Fund to launch to launch HBF+Brazil: Co-development Support. Put together, the two initiatives take Spcine's international outreach to a trailblazing new level. HBF+Brazil targets the early development of projects by first and second time filmmakers from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and the rest of Brazil. In the pilot year of the planned three-year initiative, HBF+Brazil will support up to nine fiction film projects in early development, directed by a Brazilian filmmaker and with a Brazilian production company attached, giving grants of €10,000 ($11,300) to each title. As the management partner, HBF will launch the call for projects in the second half of 2025 on HBF+Brazil partners , however, will sign a co-operation agreement at the Cannes Film Festival. The scheme targets 'unique, innovative and culturally significant storytelling' from Brazil via financial support and the enhanced international visibility of Brazilian filmmaking talent, while fostering international collaboration, the partners said May 12. Many of Brazil's leading filmmakers – including Kleber Mendonça Filho, Marcelo Gomes, Gabriel Mascaro and Julia de Simone – have benefitted from HBF support at key moments in their careers, noted Vanja Kalujdercic, IFFR festival director and Tamara Tatishvili, head of the Hubert Bals Fund. 'Together, we're acting on a shared commitment to new forms of cooperation – and to contributing meaningfully to Brazil's independent film sector,' they added. 'The initiative expands the reach of our talents and connects São Paulo to global networks of creation and development. It is a step aligned with our strategy for internationalization and strengthening the local industry,' said Oliveira. Spcine add South Africa's NFVF aim to start co-developing two projects, rising to a total four titles, marrying writers and producers from the two countries, says Yolanda Ncokotwana, NFVF head of department, industry development. 'The call offers financial and institutional support for the development and production of audiovisual works,' says Ary Scarpin, Spcine's newly-appointed director of economic development and strategic partnerships 'This partnership strengthens the commitment to building a more collaborative and diverse audiovisual industry and promotes direct dialogue among countries of the Global South,' he adds. One topic which looks to interest both Brazil and South Africa is the African diaspora to Brazil during the Atlantic slave trade, says Ncokotwana. The partners are looking, however, at 'anything that connects us, such as a glimpse of how the future could look, how the Global South reimagines itself,' she notes. 'We hope that putting together creators will be the spark that lights the fire in terms of just more collaboration,' she says. In the longterm, she adds, she hopes that the projects will be seen in both countries and that in general more Brazilian content will be watched in South Africa and vice-versa. First projects may be announced as early as the Durban FilmMart in late July. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
