Kalpesh Patankar from Leo Burnett UAE serves first Jury President for Industry Craft Lions from the MENA region
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced the names of the global experts who will preside over the 2024 Juries, playing a pivotal role in assessing and setting benchmarks for excellence across the spectrum of the world’s most outstanding creative and effective work.
Commenting on the Jury Presidents, Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “Our Jury Presidents play a crucial role in the existence of the Lions. Their knowledge, skills, and incredible talent, combined with the commitment and leadership that they will bring to their roles, bring integrity and rigour to the Lions. This is an exceptional line-up of talent from across the world, and we can’t wait to see the work that rises to the top in June.”
Kalpesh Patankar from Leo Burnett UAE has been appointed as the first Jury President for Industry Craft Lions, and the second consecutive jury representation in two years for the MENA region. Commenting on his appointment, Kalpesh remarked, “When you see a truly great piece of work, the feeling is undeniable. I have felt it many times, in many jury rooms over the years. This year, as Jury President I’ll be championing those undeniable pieces of work in Industry Craft at Cannes Lions 2024.”
The Cannes Lions 2024 Jury Presidents have been announced as follows:
Audio & Radio Lions:
Simon Vicars, Chief Creative Officer, Colenso BBDO, New Zealand
Brand Experience & Activation Lions:
Anselmo Ramos, Founder, Creative Chairman, GUT, Global
Creative B2B Lions:
Andisa Ntsubane, Managing Executive: Brand, Marketing and Communications Africa, Vodacom Group, Africa
Creative Business Transformation Lions:
Ariana Stolarz, Global Chief Strategy Officer, Marketing, Accenture Song, Global
Creative Commerce Lions:
Amy Lanzi, CEO, Digitas NA, Digitas, North America
Creative Data Lions:
Rose Herceg, Country President Australia and New Zealand, WPP, Australia and New Zealand
Creative Effectiveness Lions:
Harjot Singh, Global Chief Strategy Officer, McCann and McCann Worldgroup, Global
Creative Strategy Lions:
Vita M. Harris, Global Chief Strategy Officer, FCB, Global
Design Lions:
Fura Johannesdottir, Chief Creative Officer, Huge, Global
Digital Craft Lions:
Kentaro Kimura, International Chief Creative Officer and Corporate Officer, Hakuhodo, Global
Direct Lions:
Pancho Cassis, Partner and Global Chief Creative Officer, DAVID, Global
Entertainment Lions:
Geoffrey Edwards, Executive Creative Director, GALE, USA
Entertainment Lions for Gaming:
Lydia Winters, Chief Storyteller, Mojang Studios, Global
Entertainment Lions for Music:
Madeline Nelson, US Head of Independent Label Relations, Amazon Music, USA
Entertainment Lions for Sport:
Louise Johnson, CEO, Fuse, UK/EMEA
Film Lions:
Tor Myhren, VP Marketing Communications, Apple Inc, Global
Film Craft Lions:
Prasoon Pandey, Ad Film Maker, Corcoise Films, India
Glass: The Lion for Change:
Cindy Gallop, Founder and CEO, MakeLoveNotPorn, Global
Health & Wellness Lions:
Wendy Chan, Health Creative Lead, Asia Pacific, Edelman, APAC
Industry Craft Lions:
Kalpesh Patankar, Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett, UAE
Innovation Lions:
Diego Machado, Global Chief Creative Officer, AKQA, Global
Media Lions:
Prerna Mehrotra, Chief Client Officer and CEO Media, dentsu, APAC
Outdoor Lions:
Marco Venturelli, Chief Creative Officer, Publicis Groupe, France
Pharma Lions:
Collette Douaihy, Global Chief Creative Officer, Health, Dentsu Health, Global
PR Lions:
Kat Thomas, Founder and Global Chief Creative Officer, One Green Bean, Global
Print & Publishing Lions:
John Raúl Forero, President and Chief Creative Officer, DDB, Colombia
Social & Influencer Lions:
Amy Ferguson, Chief Creative Officer, TBWA\Chiat\Day New York, USA
Sustainable Development Goals Lions:
Gustavo Lauria, Co-Founder, President and Chief Creative Officer, We Believers, USA
The Dan Wieden Titanium Lions:
Debbi Vandeven, Global Chief Creative Officer, VML, Global
Further information on this year’s Jury Presidents, as well as the Festival, the Lions Awards and LIONS Membership can be found at canneslions.com.
Biskrem recently launched an integrated cinema campaign with Motivate Val Morgan to promote their cocoa-filled biscuit at selected VOX Cinemas in KSA.
The on-screen component included a 15-second ad, which was booked through CinePlan’s ‘by admission’ route at VOX Redsea Mall and VOX Roshn Front (formerly Riyadh Front) starting 21 December 2023.
The off-screen campaign included a sampling activity at the VOX locations over the weekend, starting 21 to 23 December 2023.
Biskrem set up a stall in the cinema’s foyer area, where a promoter distributed free samples of Biskrem mini and Biskrem Caramel to moviegoers attending the premieres in the auditoriums where the brand’s ad was screening.
Planning a product launch for your brand? Contact a member of our sales team to learn more about how integrated campaigns can help bring your brand closer to its target audience.
Halloween has arrived, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to dim the lights, cozy up on the couch, and dive into some spooky films. It’s even more enjoyable when you can share the thrills with your entire family because let’s face it, almost everyone loves a good scary movie from time to time, even the youngest members of the clan. However, the challenge is finding a movie that won’t leave the kids (and consequently, you) wide awake all night.
Your search ends here! Here’s a curated selection of the finest family-friendly Halloween movies for kids to enjoy in 2023, offering just the right amount of spooky fun for young minds:
Coco (2017)
Coco follows Miguel as he embarks on a quest to become a musician—a quest that lands him in the colorful and fantastical Land of the Dead. There, he learns the meaning and importance of culture and family.
Frankenweenie (2012)
Frankenweenie tells the story of Victor, who experiences elation when he successfully revives his beloved pet dog, Sparky. However, when his schoolmates attempt their own experiments in resurrection, the situation takes a chilling turn.
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
One of the best kids Halloween movies out there! Even though Count Dracula is raising his daughter, Mavis, in the lovely “five-stake” monsters-only hotel he’s built in Transylvania, he allows her to explore the human world on her 118th birthday. And for fans, there are sequels to enjoy: Hotel Transylvania 2, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, and Hotel Transylvania: Transformania.
Goosebumps (2015)
Goosebumps draws inspiration from the popular ’90s horror book series by R.L. Stine. In this 2015 film, the author, portrayed by Jack Black, and his family must rescue their hometown from impending doom as all the monsters from his stories come to life.
Monster House (2006)
In Monster House, a seemingly ordinary house reveals itself as a malevolent, living creature. When three young friends uncover this unsettling truth, they embark on a daring mission to save the town’s children from the house’s sinister grip.
Paranorman (2012)
To say Norman Babcock isn’t your average 11-year-old boy is quite an understatement—considering he can communicate with ghosts! Now he must use his powers to save his small town from an ancient curse.
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
A modern sequel to the 1993 film, Hocus Pocus 2 tells the story of three young girls who accidentally bring the Sanderson sisters to current-day Salem.
The Addams Family (2019)
The first animated comedy about the famously creepy and kooky Addams Family offers tons of kid-friendly frights and fun. This is a great alternative for kids who are interested in the new hit show Wednesday but still a little too young to watch.
The House With A Clock In Its Walls (2018)
The movie follows a 10-year-old kid who, after he’s sent to be watched over by an eccentric uncle (Jack Black) and and his friendly neighbor (Cate Blanchett), is pulled into an ancient rivalry between witches and warlocks.
Haunted Mansion (2023)
A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.
The Goonies (1985)
This beloved adventure follows a motley crew of misfits known as The Goonies on an action-packed treasure hunt to save their homes.
The Boxtrolls (2014)
While the rest of the world fears and despises them, a young human boy named Eggs considers the Boxtrolls his family. In The Boxtrolls, Eggs must confront an evil exterminator determined to eradicate his beloved clan.
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting (2020)
Kelly Ferguson accepts a babysitting gig on Halloween night — only to have her charge captured by the Boogeyman. Luckily, she learns of a secret society of child guardians who can help her learn to fight monsters.
Gnome Alone (2018)
When Chloe moves into a new home with her mother, she finds something unexpected: a group of garden gnomes who say the neighborhood is under attack by underground beasts. It’s up to Chloe to help the gnomes save the world.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is designed for teens (PG-13) who have outgrown the most family-friendly horror films but aren’t quite ready for the likes of Nightmare on Elm Street. This film, inspired by the spine-tingling book series from our childhoods, centers on a group of young investigators who must confront local legends that begin to materialize and pose real threats.
(Note: This movie is darker and more mature than many others on this list, intended for older viewers.)
Jonathan Cruz and Saymon Medeiros from And Us won gold at the UAE Young Lions Digital Competition 2023
The 20th edition of the esteemed UAE Young Lions Digital Competition, hosted by Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan – the official UAE representatives of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, witnessed 21 teams across 15 agencies compete on Saturday, 4th March 2023.
The Judging and Awards Ceremony followed on Wednesday, 8th March 2023, with Jonathan Cruz and Saymon Medeiros from And Us winning Gold.
Jonathan Cruz and Saymon Medeiros will receive a full week’s delegate pass and an all-expense-paid trip to represent the UAE at the International Young Lions Digital Competition – part of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, in June 2023.
Adila Fataliyeva and Isha Sharma from Science and Sunshine secured Silver, while Haneen Chaarawi and Sebastian Galindo Rubiano from McCann Dubai and Rim Reda and Kezia Shamil from Leo Burnett tied for Bronze.
This year’s client brief was from RoadSafetyUAE – an award-winning CSR & engagement program established in 2014, which serves as a communication, improvement, and education platform for all traffic participants in the UAE. Participating teams were challenged to develop a creative and innovative, ‘root cause’ based, long-lasting and universally true awareness campaign to help change the behaviour and mindset of young drivers in the UAE.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Thomas Edelmann, Managing Director, RoadSafetyUAE stated: “Young drivers represent about 50% of all road fatalities in the UAE and hence, this segment must be tackled by creating awareness for safe behavior, in a relevant manner. The team members of all twenty-one participating teams precisely represented the target audience, resulting in the creation of a series of genuinely insightful and pertinent campaigns that adhered to the guiding principle of “by them…for them!” As a means of honouring the outstanding creative endeavors, it would be ideal for the agencies behind the twenty-one teams to engage their clients and invite them to adopt the cause of road safety, while also leveraging some of the innovative concepts presented in partnership with RoadSafetyUAE. We want to thank Motivate Val Morgan and Getty Images for organizing and supporting the UAE Young Lions Digital Competition 2023, as well as the team members and the agencies behind them for their commitment and hard work.”
The jury panel for this year’s competition comprised of Girogia Fattoracci (Leo Burnett), Ingersol Jayakumar (Precise Communications), Andrej Arsenijevic (Commonwealth McCann), Steve De Lange (And Us), Anton Marais (Publicis Middle East), Anshuman Bhattacharya (Havas Middle East), Claudia Canas (FP7 McCann), David Willett (Weber Shandwick), Jordache Fernandes (KEKO Dubai), Raja Rizkallah Nadim (Science & Sunshine), Saleh Elghatit (Serviceplan), Rodrigo Scapolan (TBWA\RAAD), Rita Harbie (Saatchi & Saatchi MEA), and Robert Habib (C2 Communications)
Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner, Motivate Media Group, said: “This year has seen a notable increase in the number of entries, signifying the industry’s progress and resilience in the aftermath of the pandemic. I was mightily impressed with the quality of the work produced by the future of the creative industry. As always, it was extremely difficult to narrow down the top submissions but in the end there had to be a winning team – I want to congratulate everyone who put their all into the competition, but especially the winners, Jonathan Cruz and Saymon Medeiros from And Us, who I’m sure will be great ambassadors during this year’s Cannes Lions event.”
The UAE Young Lions Digital Competition – hosted by Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan and supported by Getty Images (exclusive image provider of the competition), aims to unveil the brightest creative minds from across the UAE, and is part of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity – the world’s biggest celebration of creativity in communications. The 2023 festival will take place between 19-23 June at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated Saudi Founding Day on 22nd February, with Saudi nationals and residents joining in on the celebration. National holidays are highly celebrated by Saudis as they look forward to such days during the year, and Saudi Founding Day is no exception.
Cinemas were abuzz with moviegoers eager to watch the latest blockbusters, and renowned KSA brands took advantage of this unique opportunity by securing on screen adverting in a bid to establish connections with captive cinema audiences on the big screen.
From ads promoting products or services, to brands showing their solidarity with the people of Saudi Arabia and supporting the country’s growth and development, here are the ads that took over the big screen in celebration of Saudi Founding Day 2023:
Architecture & Design Commission
Start Date: 25 February 2023
Locations: Multiple AMC, Cinépolis, Muvi and VOX locations
Banque Saudi Fransi
Start Date: 20. February 2023
Locations: Multiple AMC, Muvi and VOX locations
Ministry of Culture
Start Date: 13 February 2023
Locations: Multiple AMC, Cinépolis, Muvi, Reel and VOX locations
Monsha’at
Start Date: 20. February 2023
Locations: Multiple AMC and Muvi locations
Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites
Start Date: 20. February 2023
Locations: Multiple AMC, Cinépolis, Muvi and VOX locations
Riyad Bank
Start Date: 23 February 2023
Locations: Select VOX and Muvi locations
Fatma Al Suwaidi, a third year student majoring in Advertising at American University in Dubai to represent the UAE at the exclusive Cannes Lions Roger Hatchuel Academy 2022
The Roger Hatchuel Student Academy, founded in 2003, is a unique learning experience designed to help students interested in pursuing a creative path in advertising launch their careers. Selected students learn first-hand from the world’s greatest brands, creative minds and industry leaders, and the programme takes place over the week of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France.
As the official UAE representatives of the Cannes Lions Festival, Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan are delighted to announce that Fatma Al Suwaidi, a third year Visual Communications student majoring in Advertising at American University in Dubai (AUD), has been selected to represent the UAE at the exclusive Cannes Lions Roger Hatchuel Academy 2022
Fatma was one of the three recommended students from the UAE this year, alongside Kenzy Abedelmaksoud and Lillian Ghousseini also from AUD, whose submissions were reviewed by the Roger Hatchuel Academy selection panel – a diverse mix of global experts from reputed education institutions, the industry and related creative fields.
Commenting on being selected for this year’s Roger Hatchuel Academy, Fatma said, “If someone had told me at the start of my academic studies that I would become the passionate advertising creative I am today, I would not have believed them. Not because I thought I wasn’t capable, but because I grew in so many ways, that I exceeded my own expectations. I am nearing the end of my studies at AUD, but my journey in seeking knowledge is forever ongoing, and to be selected in my senior year to represent my country at the prestigious Roger Hatchuel Academy is an honor and I look forward to learning from the very best.”
“I am certain that attending the Cannes Lions Festival will be an experience packed with creativity, inspiration and just pure passion. My selection is a triumph I am proud of; however, it is not something that I accomplished alone, I owe my thanks to my family who supported me, my friends who were by my side, my university for giving me the foundation I need, and last but not least, Professor Dina Faour, a true role model every student would be lucky to have,” she added.
Dina Faour, Professor of Advertising, Department of Visual Arts, American University Dubai said, “We are so excited to witness yet another year for AUD at the one and only Cannes Lions and, specifically, at the Roger Hatchuel academy. This is a clear attestation to the program, the curriculum, the team, the students and the work. We wish Fatma AlSuwaidi a journey filled with inspiration and creativity, and we just know she’ll do us proud. We want to thank Cannes Lions for supporting students with this exclusive academy that joins the best students around the globe in one classroom and offers them such a unique insight into the industry. Thank you Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan, for being so professional, you certainly deserve to represent this festival.”
The Roger Hatchuel Academy class of 2022 will host 30 students in total, and throughout the week-long programme, students will dissect diversity and unlock a greater understanding of each other, the world and the nature of the industry.
Other areas covered include:
This year’s Roger Hatchuel Academy will run in parallel to the Cannes Lions Festival from 20 – 24 June 2022. Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan wishes Fatma Al Suwaidi the best of luck as she embarks on this journey, and we hope her experience and learnings at the Roger Hatchuel Academy will create positive impact and contribute to her future endeavours in the industry.
Muvi Cinemas opens the first ever movie theater in the city of Khamis Mushait in Saudi Arabia at Mujan Park – Khamis
Muvi Cinemas opened its newest location at Murjan Park in the city of Khamis Mushait – KSA, on 11January 2022.
The 9-screen cinema with a total of 1,368 seats also features a ScreenX and Xperience screen, and is the first ever theatre in the city of Khamis Mushait – a city in south-west Saudi Arabia, located east of Abha.
Similar to other locations operated by the exhibitor, Muvi Cinemas at Mujan Park – Khamis was designed by UK’s , and the mall the cinema is located in boasts a wide range of entertainment and shopping options, restaurants, and cafes for the entire family to enjoy and experience.
Together with the openings of muvi Boutique – Tala Mall and Boulevard Riyadh (which opened in December 2021) and Al-Yasmin Mall (which opened in January 2022), Muvi Cinemas presently operates 174 screens across 20 locations in 9 cities across Saudi Arabia.
*More information on muvi Boutique – Tala Mall (Riyadh), Boulevard Riyadh (Riyadh) and Al-Yasmin Mall (Jeddah) to follow soon.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities on the screens of first ever cinema in Khamis Mushait, KSA – Muvi Cinemas Mujan Park – Khamis.
Muvi Cinemas – Salaam Mall in Riyadh is the latest cinema to open as part of the exhibitor’s roll out plan to grow to 307 screens across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the 12 months ahead.
Muvi Cinemas opened its thirteenth location at Salaam Mall in Riyadh on 1st December, 2021. The cinema features 8 standard screens with a total of 1,056 seats.
Similar to other Muvi locations, Salaam Mall – spanning 3,274 sqms, was designed by UK’s Chapman and Taylor and has a theme of urban downtown, with the intention of creating a dynamic, modern and innovative cinema experience. Internal spaces are characterised by an industrial, yet luxurious, material palette, including timber, exposed steelwork, exposed brickwork and an exposed concrete floor. Digital LED screens and dramatic lighting installations complement the city warehouse feel, providing a strong visual identity for the cinema exhibitor.
Located in Riyadh’s suburban Alawali area, Salaam Mall offers a great stop for shopping dining and entertainment.
Muvi Cinemas presently operates 127 screens across 13 locations in 8 cities across Saudi Arabia.
Contact a member of our sales team for cinema advertising opportunities on the screens of Muvi Cinemas –Salaam Mall.
Sources: Zawya and MUVI
From John Lewis, to M&S and Disney, here’s a list of the best Christmas ads in 2021 from around the world.
We’re at that time of year again, when the Christmas ads we see leave us feeling nostalgic, teary-eyed, emotional and in the mood for holiday time spent with family. They also give us a sense of collective spirit.
In contrast to subdued messages of pandemic stricken 2020, brands have gone all out with their storytelling this year. From fantasy filled extra-terrestrial scenarios, to intimate tales of holiday gatherings, here’s a collection of all the festive Christmas ads from your favourite brands and retailers, including the much talked about ones from John Lewis and M&S.
Check out the best Christmas ads of 2021 that reflects a year full of change, hope and joyful optimism:
John Lewis & Partners – Unexpected Guest
The U.K. retailer is back with a heartwarming tale set to cover of ‘Together in Electric Dreams’. The two-minute advert, entitled ‘Unexpected Guest’, is a joyful story of friendship between a young boy called Nathan and the space traveler, Skye, as they celebrate the magic of Christmas moments.
M&S Food – Percy Pig comes to life for the first time EVER!
Marks & Spencer’s Christmas advert for this year features Spiderman star Tom Holland as the voice of Percy Pig. The Christmas clip, which also stars Dawn French as a festive fairy, sees Percy Pig come to life and explore the treats on offer in an M&S food hall.
Aldi: Ebanana Scrooge
Aldi has released a charming Dickensian-style take on ‘A Christmas Carol’ with a spot that follows the story of Christmas loathing Ebanana Scrooge, who is reminded of the joys of the festive season by Kevin the Carrot. It’s part of a seasonal campaign that will see 1.8 million meals donated to families that need help across the UK over the festive period.
GAP – All Together Now
Katy Perry sings a Beatles song – ‘All You Need Is Love’, while playing the guitar in GAP’s 2021 Christmas advertisement.
Disney – The Stepdad
Disney celebrates blended families with its new Christmas ad. The Stepdad is a beautiful animated short that sees a new stepfather moving in with the family at the beginning of the holiday season, and it’s such a lovely example of how families can learn to interact with each other… you are definitely going to cry at least once when watching the ad. The Stepdad is a sequel to last year’s animated short from Disney – Lola.
Sports Direct – GO ALL OUT This Christmas
It’s the most expensive Christmas advert ever. And with tennis champ Emma Raducanu and football ace Jack Grealish leading a line-up of 16 sports stars, it is bound to score highly with viewers.
Boots: Bags of Joy
BAFTA-nominated actress and ‘Doctor Who’ star Jenna Coleman plays the leading role in Boots’ festive ad for 2021. As Boots puts it, “This Christmas is all about joy.” The joy of being with friends and family, the joy of getting out there and connecting with each other.
Argos: Baubles to Last Year! Christmas is On
Another British retailer to recognise our appetite for going BIG this festive season given the disappointment of last year. The campaign shows the pure joy of Christmas and all the ways we can make a big splash. The 60-second fun spot reminds us that Argos is a decent source of inspiration for shoppers looking for that perfect gift for family and friends.
Asda: Make Christmas Spectacular
Asda’s Christmas spot which features a family gliding through the festive season on their ice skates. The ad is about making the festive season ‘spectacular’!
Morrisons: Farmer Christmas
Morrisons is introducing Farmer Christmas to the nation with its festive ad this year, following two young friends who discover the other hero of Christmas. The 60-second spot tells a tale about Farmer Christmas who works all year too in order to deliver a delicious Christmas feast to tables across the country.
Coca-Cola: Chimney
Coca-Cola is another brand to into some real magic this Christmas with its festive ad that focuses on the concept of community. Featuring a story of a young boy who brings his apartment block together to celebrate the holidays, it opens with his desire to create a chimney out of cardboard boxes, ready for Santa Claus to deliver presents
Have a Christmas ad you would like to run in cinema? Contact us for more information on advertising across our circuit in the GCC.
Sources : Creative Boom, The Sun, Daily Mirror
In this edition of ‘What’s Buzzin Behind the Screen’, we bring you the latest industry news – everything you need to know about what’s happening behind the scenes in Hollywood. From the latest trailer releases, to box office collections and movie announcements, here’s the October 2021 update:
Stay tuned for the latest industry news in our November 2021 edition.
Source: Screen Rant, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Rotten Tomatoes and Cinema Blend
