Mark Vicente
Mark Vicente | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1965 (age 60–61) South Africa |
| Occupations | Filmmaker, director, producer |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | Co-directing What the Bleep Do We Know!?; former member and whistleblower of NXIVM; appearing in The Vow |
| Spouse | Bonnie Piesse |
Mark Vicente (born 1965) is a South African filmmaker. He is best known as a co-director of the 2004 film What the Bleep Do We Know!? and for his involvement in—and subsequent whistleblowing against—NXIVM, an organization whose activities were widely reported in international media and examined in the HBO documentary series The Vow.[1]
Early life and career
Mark Vicente was born in South Africa in 1965. He began his career working in film production, including roles in cinematography and camera operation, before moving into directing and producing.[2]
Filmmaking
Vicente co-directed, co-wrote, and co-produced the 2004 independent film What the Bleep Do We Know!?, which combined narrative storytelling with interviews and explored themes related to quantum physics and spirituality.[3][4] The film achieved commercial success as an independent production but drew criticism for promoting pseudoscientific ideas.[3][4]
NXIVM
Vicente became involved with NXIVM, a self-help organization led by Keith Raniere, in the mid-2000s.[3][1] He rose to a senior position within the organization and worked closely with its leadership, producing promotional videos and recruiting members.[5]
He left NXIVM in 2017 after becoming aware of allegations of abuse within the group.[6][7] Vicente later became a key witness for the prosecution in the 2019 federal trial of Raniere.[8][9]
During his testimony, Vicente described the internal structure of the organization and alleged abuses, including coercive practices involving female members.[8][10][11]
The Vow
Vicente is a central figure in the HBO documentary series The Vow (2020), which chronicles NXIVM and the experiences of former members.[12][5] The series follows Vicente and others as they document their involvement in NXIVM and their efforts to expose the organization.[12][1]
Reviewing the series, several publications noted Vicente's central role in documenting the group's internal culture and eventual collapse.[5][7]
Personal life
Vicente is married to actress Bonnie Piesse, who was also involved in NXIVM before leaving the organization.[6][7]
References
- ^ a b c Gardner, Chris (18 September 2020). "'The Vow' Star Mark Vicente on the Horror of NXIVM: "I Was in a Cult"". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ McGrath, Mary Kate (16 September 2020). "Mark Vicente From The Vow Is Writing A Book About His NXIVM Experience". Bustle.
- ^ a b c "HBO's NXIVM Docuseries The Vow Reveals the Heartbreaking Truth Behind the 'Sex Cult' Headlines". Time Magazine. 23 August 2020.
- ^ a b Zoladz, Lindsay (19 October 2020). "Looking Back at Mark Vicente's What the Bleep Do We Know!?". Vulture.
- ^ a b c Heller, Emily St. James (16 October 2020). "'The Vow' revisits the NXIVM nightmare through the eyes of former believers". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ a b "This is about abuses of power: the shocking true story of the Nxivm cult". The Guardian. 2 September 2020.
- ^ a b c Harris, Margaret (14 September 2020). "Where Are Mark Vicente and Bonnie Piesse From The Vow Now?". Esquire.
- ^ a b "Nxivm trial: alleged sex cult leader tried to 'break' female followers, says witness". The Guardian. 13 May 2019.
- ^ Moynihan, Colin (9 May 2019), "Former Sex Cult Official Describes Its 'Evil' Inner Workings", The New York Times, retrieved 10 May 2026
- ^ Georgantopoulos, Mary Ann (9 May 2019). "An NXIVM Whistleblower Broke Down On The Stand Describing Keith Raniere's Group As "Horrible And Evil"". BuzzFeed News.
- ^ "Mark Vicente has meltdown in NXIVM trial, calls cult 'horrible evil'". New York Post. 9 May 2019.
- ^ a b "HBO's The Vow Proves NXIVM Is More Than a "Sex Cult"". Vanity Fair. August 2020.