Our creative directors Jelena and Sean recently attended the 70th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Last year, Jelena had the honor of being chosen as a member of the jury, which was the first time that a representative from Croatia took part of the jury of such a prestigious award winning festival. This year, colleagues Damir Ciglar and Davor Bruketa worthily took over the judging and the representation of Croatia, while Sonda chose to make some more informal research of the festival. Here are some brief impressions:

The most entertaining event/speech?
S: Saatchi&Saatchi New Creators Showcase 2023.
J: Mike White, creator of the legendary series “The White Lotus”, in an interview with Liz Taylor, Ogilvy’s global creative director and the speech by Andrew Robertson, President&CEO at BBDO Worldwide: “Why We Need To Make People Laugh”

The most inspiring event/speech?
S&J: The world film premiere of “Here’s To The Crazy Ones”, which included a Q&A with Lee Clow. And a tear rolled down the face 🙂

The most instructive event/speech?
S: Titanium Lions Shortlist Presentations – Live Judging in Action, which was judged live by David Droga (Accenture Song), Jane Lin-Baden (Publicis Groupe APAC), Kate Rouch (Coinbase Global), Marcel Marcondes (AB InBev Global), Piyush Pande (Ogilvy Global & India), Susan Credle (FCB Global), Susan Hoffman (Wieden + Kennedy US), Ukonwa Ojo (Zaia Ventures US), Vicki Maguire (Havas London UK) and Yang Yeo (Hakuhodo International APAC). Smart works and smart questions.
J: Tour of the work by Jury + Inside the Jury Room, that is the insight into the processes which stand behind the award-winning works. Regarding all the categories that I managed to visit, and there were quite a few…

Which work particularly impressed you and why?
S & J: “Life Extending Stickers” by Gray Colombia, Bogota
S: Because it takes advantage of what already exists. A tool was created from something that has been evident and in front of us for a long time. It just needed to be noticed and shaped into a solution. It also brilliantly educates that fruits and vegetables can be used for many purposes and through several stages.
J: I can also add that it is a real craft work which conquers with its simplicity of idea and execution and brakes down the myths that for super successful projects you must have huge budgets, AI, digital, productions, equality, applications, space crafts and all sorts of miraculous tools. Sometimes a good idea, quality craft and understanding of the client are more than enough. Even in, or despite, these times.

Best time?
S: Night swimming with Rajna and Vanja.
J: LinkedIn Carlton Cannes Rooftop Party: The Place B2B.

What are you taking home from Cannes?
S: The wish to keep on improving ourselves and to work on projects that will affect social issues.
J: Creative charge and vertigo

See you next year!