The decision announced September 18 by the Board of the SFI came as a big surprise, as Novak took the helm of the institute just over a year ago.

“Anette Novak has made good efforts for Swedish film, however, the board considers that there is a need for another leadership,” said chairwoman Gunilla von Platen, adding that the goal is not to change the orientation of the SFI. The board’s decision was taken unanimously, according to von Platen.

Novak took over the head of the SFI in April 2022 from the high-profile Anna Serner.
A former journalist, she worked earlier for the Swedish Media Council and as CEO of RISE Interactive, a Swedish state-owned IT and research institute.

In a recent interview with us, CLICK HERE, Novak said her priority was to try to establish a bridge between culture and business & trade within state support. She also spoke about embracing AI, while creating a legal framework “to build trust and safety”.

No further information on Novak’s forced resignation was made at press time.