Press Release: NFVF Reaffirms Commitment to Transparent Funding and Fair Access Amid Industry Commentary By Ms Weaam Williams

Johannesburg, South Africa - 10 June 2025 - The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, has reiterated its ongoing commitment to supporting South African filmmakers through fair, transparent, and merit-based funding processes. In light of recent media commentary by filmmaker Weaam Williams, the Foundation finds it necessary to clarify its approach, restate its support for creative voices, and provide a full account of the funding support Ms Williams has received over the years.

Over R2 384 400 Million Invested in Weaam Williams' Creative Career

Since 2022, the NFVF has extended funding across multiple categories to support Weaam Williams, a filmmaker whose work addresses significant socio-political and cultural themes. The NFVF recognises her as an important contributor to South Africa's documentary and feature film space.

Below is a full breakdown of NFVF funding awarded to Ms Williams:

Funding Pillar Project Year Funding Grant Approved Jury Member Fee

Production & Development and Marketing & Distribution

Development District Six- Rising from the Dust 2015 R120 000,00

Development -Short Two Hues 2015 R100 000,00

Archive Funding District Six- Rising from the Dust 2016 R250 000,00

Production District Six- Rising from the Dust 2017 R350 000,00

Marketing and Distribution District Six- Rising from the Dust 2018 R180 000,00

Production-Short Film Two Hues 2018 R200 000,00

Development - Feature Film Two Hues 2020 R200 000,00

Development Two Hues 2020 R100 000,00

Marketing and Distribution Two Hues 2020 R100 000,00

Development The Rise 2020 R120 000,00

Post - Production The Rise 2020 R120 000,00

Marketing and Distribution The Rise 2023 R100 000,00

Archive The Rise 2024 R280 000,00

Film Festival and Market Attendance Funding

Local Durban FilmMart (DFM) 2022 R15 000,00

International Cannes International Film Festival 2022 R40 000,00

International Lagos International Film Festival (She cancelled the trip) 2023 R50 000,00

International Africa Goes To Hollywood 2023 R50 000,00

International Cannes International Film Festival (Cannes) 2024 R50 000,00

Local Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) 2024 R20 000,00

Jury Participation

South African Film and Television Awards SAFTAs14 2020 R4 000,00

South African Film and Television Awards SAFTAs17 2023 R5 000,00

Oscars (Academy Awards) Selection Committee Member 96th Academy Awards 2023 R5 000,00

Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Festival Hosted by Weaam 9 Filmmakers were funded from the markets and festivals attendance funding to Attend HACC 2025 R159 400,00

Sub Total: R2 445,000.00 R14 000,00

Total Funding Ms Williams Was Approved For (Project Related Grant Funding + Jury Member Fees) R2 459 000,00

Total Funding Ms Williams Received (Less funding for LIFF as she did not attend) R2 409 000,00

This funding has enabled Ms Williams to complete, market, and distribute her films, build production capacity, and participate in prestigious global platforms such as the Oscars and SAFTAs.

The NFVF Funding Process: Expert-Led, Transparent, and Competitive

To ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and in line with the NFVF Act, the NFVF follows a multi-step process for all funding applications:

Public Calls are published for each funding cycle, open to all eligible applicants.

Applications are assessed by independent advisory panels, made up of experienced industry professionals from across South Africa.

Final decisions are taken by the NFVF Council, a statutory body that meets under quorum and operates under strict governance protocols.

All approved projects and funding allocations are published publicly on the NFVF website to ensure transparency and accountability.

Each application is judged on its creative merit, business viability, impact potential, and adherence to transformation goals. Due to high volumes and limited budget, funding cannot be guaranteed, even to those with a successful funding history.

Response to Media Commentary

The NFVF notes Ms Williams' opinion piece, in which she raises concerns about the outcome of a recent unsuccessful application. While the Foundation values and encourages public engagement, it is also important to provide context: Ms Williams has received R2 409 000.00 in NFVF support since 2015 across multiple streams and projects.

Her most recent application was not approved due to the competitive nature of the process and budgetary limits. This is not an unusual occurrence, as all applications are subject to rigorous, impartial evaluation.

Strategic Focus and Budget Alignment

While the NFVF did not send an official delegation to Cannes 2025, this decision followed a Ministerial directive aimed at ensuring that 75% of the Foundation's annual budget is allocated to film production, in line with legislation. The NFVF remains focused on funding content creation, supporting South African intellectual property, and enabling global visibility through project-based investment.

Open Calls for 2025

Filmmakers are encouraged to apply through the currently open Production and Development Calls. Application guidelines, eligibility criteria, and submission portals can be accessed via the official NFVF website.

#LoveSAFilm

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lerato Mokopanele

Marketing and Communications Manager

National Film and Video Foundation

Email: Leratom@nfvf.co.za

About the NFVF: The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is a statutory body mandated to promote and develop the South African film and video industry. It provides funding for film projects, facilitates training and skills development, and promotes South African content locally and internationally. The NFVF aims to create a sustain

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