Kevin “KJ” Jennings, the former head of one of New Zealand’s regional film commissions and AFCI Board Chair from 2016-2019 has returned to the organization as AFCI President.

He takes the helm after serving for 13 years as executive manager of Film Otago Southland in New Zealand, where he helped raise the country’s profile as an international filming destination and make entertainment production a major contributor to the nation’s economy. Notable projects that filmed in Jenning’s region in recent years include big-budget studio features like Mulan, Mission: Impossible – Fallout and The Hobbit.

Under Jennings’ leadership, Film Otago Southland earned the 2019 “Outstanding Film Commission” award from the Location Managers Guild International.