AVIJOZI 2025: Where Creativity and Technology Meet – Under the Theme ‘Heart of Steel’

Now in its 4th edition, AVIJOZI continues its legacy as Africa’s premier free-access festival at the intersection of Film Production, AI, Animation, VFX, Interactive Tech, Gaming, Comics, and Content Development. Where creativity and technology meet. The 2025 theme, ‘Heart of Steel’, signals boldness in the face of change, speaking directly to creators navigating industry disruption and rapid technological transformation.

2025-08-13T11:55:47+02:00August 13th, 2025|Categories: Chocolate Tribe Editorial, Editorial|Tags: , |

It’s not you, it’s your treatment: How top ad Creatives pick their directors.

Steph van Niekerk, one of the most awarded creatives to come out of South Africa, takes us behind the scenes on how she and her team tackle one of the most crucial parts of the production process: selecting directors. From how she vets wishlists, what she looks for in a treatment, to the red flags that raise eyebrows, this is a must-read for any director who wants to get in the room and stay there.

2025-08-25T12:56:15+02:00August 13th, 2025|Categories: Editorial|Tags: , |

Clear Angle Studios partners with local scanning company, Robot Air!

From Woman King to Mission: Impossible, South Africa has played host to big-budget international productions, lured by stunning landscapes, diverse locations, and competitive production costs. Now, Cape Town-based Robot Air has joined forces with the Pinewood-headquartered Clear Angle Studios, global leader in 3D capture services to bring world-class scanning technology and expertise to the region.

2025-07-31T15:07:27+02:00July 31st, 2025|Categories: Editorial, Robot Air Editorial|Tags: |

Marketer Spotlight: Behind the Craft with Suhayl Limbada, CMO of KFC Thailand

When KFC Thailand’s ‘Let There Be Cake’ picked up a Cannes Gold Lion for Film, it was a massive win for South Africa and proof of what’s possible when everyone is aligned in service of the craft. From marketer to agency to production, every decision pushed the idea further and raised the bar on execution. At the centre of it is Suhayl Limbada, a South African marketer with an instinct for strong ideas and a respect for the people who bring them to life.

2025-07-31T15:34:06+02:00July 31st, 2025|Categories: Editorial, Marketer Spotlight|Tags: , |

Carbon Films signs director Kristy Snell

A world-class specialist in food, liquids, and beauty brings her international experience to South Africa by joining the Carbon Films team. Kristy Snell is known for her bright, highly technical work in Tabletop directing. She brings years of international experience and a body of big brand work that turns everyday products, from burgers to beauty serums, into moments of pure joy.

2025-07-24T13:31:25+02:00July 24th, 2025|Categories: Carbon Films Editorial, Editorial|Tags: , |

The Refinery Joburg is open and so is Liam Traynor’s Colour suite

The Refinery has landed in Joburg with a new fully kitted Bryanston studio offering top-tier colour, VFX, online and final mix under one roof. Connected to their Cape Town HQ, The Refinery Joburg is ready to deliver high-end finishing across commercials, branded content, long-form and music videos. Leading colour is Johannesburg-born Liam Traynor, bringing home experience from London, Europe and LA.

2025-07-22T14:27:22+02:00July 22nd, 2025|Categories: Editorial, Refinery Editorial|

Marketer Spotlight: Behind the Craft with Grant Macpherson

If we’re going to interrupt someone’s day, it better be with something worth watching.” That line captures how Grant Macpherson approaches marketing and why KFC Africa keeps producing standout work. In this honest and insightful read, Grant shares what it really takes to make advertising people actually want to watch.

2025-07-15T15:09:43+02:00July 3rd, 2025|Categories: Editorial, Marketer Spotlight|Tags: , |

Cannes Lions 2025 wrap-up, the South African winners and the work

Yes, we know Cannes is over… but we’re not quite done talking about it. Here’s your full roundup of the week: the complete winners table, the work, and the companies that brought it home. You’ve inspired us all and reminded the world (and ourselves) what South Africans are capable of.

Commercial director Imran Hamdulay joins The Star Film Company, now repped in Joburg

With a string of acclaimed projects and a cinematic approach to storytelling, director Imran Hamdulay has officially joined the roster at The Star Film Company. Imran brings a real sense of heart to everything he directs; his commercials feel deeply personal and undeniably South African. Hey Joburg, he lives in your hood now.

2025-06-25T12:40:13+02:00June 25th, 2025|Categories: Editorial, Star Films Editorial|Tags: , |

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 5 by Pete Case

As the curtains close on Cannes Lions 2025, Pete Case, CEO and Creative Chairman of Ogilvy South Africa, shares a final day full of reflection. From his time judging Creative Strategy to stepping on stage for Titanium, Pete wraps the week with insights on the power of creativity, a toast to South Africa’s wins, and a reminder that what we do, and who we do it with, really matters.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 5 by Carl Willoughby

Okay, so Carl Willoughby may have technically written about more than just Day 5, but when the reflections hit this deep, we’ll allow it. As CCO of TBWA\Hunt Lascaris South Africa, Chairman of the Creative Circle and a first-time Cannes juror, Carl captures the full emotional arc of the festival: from intense jury rooms to late-night inspiration, powerful panels, and South African pride - all wrapped in the beautiful messiness of being human in this industry.

Live Updates: South Africa’s Winners & Shortlists at Cannes 2025

Cannes Lions 2025 is a wrap and what a special year it was for South Africa. This page has been your live hub for everything SA at Cannes, proudly in partnership with LITTLEBIG. From shortlist excitement to big-stage wins, this year SA did us proud! The work, the energy, the people (especially the people!)… South Africa showed up with heart and an undeniable presence. Scroll back to relive the magic, and thank you to everyone who flew the flag loudly and proudly on the global stage.

2025-06-27T10:16:16+02:00June 21st, 2025|Categories: Cannes Lions, Cannes Lions 2025, Editorial|Tags: , |

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 4 by Gillian Rightford

Through quick quips, overheard truths, and notes from boardroom meetings, Gillian Rightford captures the contradictions of Cannes like only she can. As Executive Director of the ACA - now Africa’s first member of VoxComm, the global body of advertising associations - and a newly appointed member of the Effie Global Council, Gillian’s Day 4 reflections remind us that the business of creativity is as complex, messy, and fun as ever.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 4 by Steph van Niekerk

It’s Day 4, and Steph van Niekerk is serving 25,000 steps. As Executive Creative Director at TBWA\ Hunt Lascaris, Steph reflects on what really matters at Cannes: from Droga’s wisdom to Shonda’s brilliance, to the pride she feels for her fellow South Africans. Spoiler: she loves us, and boy, do we love her!

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 3 by Andrea Quaye

From paying her own way to Cannes to now judging one of the festival’s most prestigious categories, Andrea Quaye, Marketing Director at Heineken Beverages, brings a sharp perspective and love for the craft. On Day 3, she takes us inside her more intentional approach to the week filled with meaningful connections and a reminder that, yes, Club Duvet by 10pm is a real Cannes flex.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 3 by Mpume Ngobese

Today’s diary comes from Mpume Ngobese, Co-Managing Director of Joe Public and proud first-time Cannes attendee. Wide-eyed, curious, and taking notes like a pro, Mpume shares her Day 3 highlights, and it’s a fresh, fired-up take from someone soaking up every moment of the festival. Cannes virgin no more!

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 2 by Koketso Masisi

For Day 2, we hear from Koketso Masisi, Creative Director at Retroviral, whose reflections cut through the noise with warmth and insight. From the power of women-led innovation and standout Outdoor Lions work, to meaningful moments with fellow South Africans, Koketso captures the rhythm of Cannes with a clear reminder to stay grounded, stay curious, and show up with intention.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 2 by Koo Govender

Day 2 of Cannes Lions and we soak in the elegance of Cannes through the eyes of Koo Govender. From early morning rituals on a quiet beach to fine dining at JAN in Nice, the CEO of Publicis Groupe Africa gives us a grounded, generous look behind the Cannes rush.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 1 by Khensani Nobanda

Every day this week, we’ve asked one or two brilliant South Africans at Cannes to report back from the frontlines of Cannes Lions. First up, it's Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, who’s kicking off our coverage with a high-energy run and some even higher creative takeouts.