Breaking: Filmmakers stage indefinite sit-In over NFVF’s PESP 6 disaster

Frustrated Gauteng filmmakers have occupied the offices of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), vowing not to leave until the organisation releases the long-overdue results of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) 6 funding call.

The sit-in marks the latest escalation in growing tensions between the country's filmmakers and the NFVF, with industry practitioners accusing the foundation of poor planning, governance failures and a lack of accountability.

The protesters argue that while creatives continue to wait for funding decisions that directly affect their livelihoods, the NFVF has already moved ahead by advertising applications for PESP 7 before concluding PESP 6.

'We are not budging'

Filmmakers gathered at the NFVF offices this week after months of waiting for the outcome of the PESP 6 funding applications.

According to the group, the call for applications closed in 2025, with applicants initially expecting the successful projects to be announced early in April 2026, shortly after the start of the new financial year.

However, applicants say they were subsequently informed that the announcement had been postponed until July. When July arrived, they were allegedly told that the results would only be released in September.

The repeated postponements have now pushed filmmakers to take direct action.

"We will remain here until the decision-makers release the PESP 6 results. We are not leaving," said Lungisani Mthethwa.

Council blamed for delays

Mthethwa blamed the NFVF Council for what he described as an avoidable crisis.

"The incompetencies of the Council have created this mess," he said.

He said that the prolonged uncertainty has left filmmakers unable to plan productions, employ crews or make critical business decisions.

The protesters say the delays have had devastating financial consequences for many independent filmmakers who were relying on the funding to keep their businesses operating and create employment opportunities within the sector.

Adding insult to injury

Adding to the industry's frustration is the NFVF's decision to advertise the next round of funding under PESP 7 despite not having concluded PESP 6.

Filmmakers argue that launching another funding cycle before announcing the previous results undermines confidence in the programme and raises serious questions about the administration of public funds.

For many applicants, the move has become symbolic of what they describe as a growing disconnect between the foundation's leadership and the realities facing South Africa's film industry.

A pattern of unrest

The latest protest is unlikely to surprise many within the creative sector.

The NFVF has repeatedly come under scrutiny in recent years over governance concerns, funding disputes and strained relationships with industry stakeholders. Questions around transparency, delays in funding processes and communication with applicants have surfaced on numerous occasions, with filmmakers accusing the organisation of failing to provide clear explanations when deadlines are missed.

Because PESP funding is intended to stimulate employment within the creative economy, prolonged delays inevitably affect production schedules, job creation and the sustainability of small production companies.

Industry players argue that uncertainty surrounding funding decisions defeats the very purpose of an employment stimulus programme designed to create work opportunities.

Pressure mounts on NFVF

With filmmakers now occupying its offices indefinitely, pressure is mounting on the NFVF to provide answers. The protesters insist they will not abandon the sit-in until the PESP 6 results are officially released.

Their action represents growing frustration within a sector that says it has repeatedly been asked to remain patient while promised deadlines continue to shift.

The standoff continues

The atmosphere at the NFVF offices remains incredibly tense. The Gauteng filmmakers have dug in their heels, bringing sleeping bags and supplies, asserting that their occupation will continue day and night until the council takes accountability and publishes the outcomes.

An official inquiry has been sent to the NFVF management requesting an immediate explanation for the cascading delays and their response to the ongoing protest. This article will be updated to include their official comments as soon as they respond.