Mark Vicente (born 1965) is a South African filmmaker. He co-directed the 2004 film What the Bleep Do We Know!? and was a member of NXIVM before becoming a whistleblower against the organization. His experiences in NXIVM are featured in the HBO documentary series The Vow.
Early life and career Vicente was born in South Africa in 1965. He worked as a camera assistant and Steadicam operator before moving into commercials and music videos.
Filmmaking Vicente was the cinematographer on the musical film Sarafina! (1992) and the comedy-drama Father Hood (1993).
Vicente co-directed 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. The film was commercially successful. Its treatment of science was criticized by science journalist Bernie Hobbs, who argued that it misrepresented quantum physics.
Vicente directed the 2026 documentary Narcissist's Playbook: Empathy Not Included, which examines narcissism and narcissistic abuse. The film features Sam Vaknin and journalist Isla Traquair.
NXIVM Vicente became involved with NXIVM, a self-help organization led by Keith Raniere, in the mid-2000s. He rose to a senior position within the organization and worked closely with its leadership, producing promotional videos and recruiting members.
He left NXIVM in 2017 after becoming aware of allegations of abuse within the group. Vicente later became a key witness for the prosecution in the 2019 federal trial of Raniere.
During his testimony, Vicente described the internal structure of the organization and alleged abuses, including coercive practices involving female members.
The Vow Vicente is a central figure in the HBO documentary series The Vow (2020), which chronicles NXIVM and the experiences of former members. The series follows Vicente and others as they document their involvement in NXIVM and their efforts to expose the organization.
Personal life Vicente is married to actress Bonnie Piesse, who was also involved in NXIVM before leaving the organization.
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