This was disputed by the foundation in strong possble terms, following allegations that Lillie met with the CEO of NFVF and other agencies across SA over the past 12-18 months.
These included discussions with representatives from DAC, NFVF, the National Lotteries Board, the DTI and others and tabled a proposed South African Film Commission some time ago, and again at Cannes in 2012, with the NFVF CEO.
Mr Lillie, further states that he “believes his commission would complete the NFVF and film commissions mandates”.
Lillie, in his statement, claims that he has been provided permission by the NFVF, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) to start such a Commission.
Annoyed Zama Mkosi, NFVF CE responded as follows:” It is unfortunate that CFC and Mr. Lillie have decided to hijack the process thereby misleading the industry. The establishment of a South African Film Commission will be effected through an Act of parliament and is the sole responsibility of the Department of Arts and Culture and not of an NGO or any other private entity.”
“The establishment of a South African film commission is the responsibility and falls under the ambit of the DAC and the NFVF as the agency of the DAC responsible for the film industry in South Africa,” says Mkosi.
“Minister Paul Mashatile, in his statement during the release of the economic baseline study on May 10th 2013, government will use the study to strengthen the work already being done to provide increased and sustained support for the industry.”
“The Minister further said the DAC is currently in the process of converting or re-structuring the NFVF into a fully-fledged National Film Commission.
This process has commenced with the NFVF having successfully applied to register the trademark South African Film Commission and together with the DAC are currently following appropriate parliamentary channels to amend the relevant legislation in order to give effect to such proposed changes, ” she says.
At the time of publishing, the office of the Minister and CFC had not responded for comment.
