KFC ‘K.A.I.I.A. Anything For The Taste’

BEST IN CRAFT & CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Carbon Films | Bruno Bossi

Awarded by Snooze Kambuwa & Grant De Sousa

BEST IN CRAFT (ONLINE VFX CRAFT)
Marco Raposo de Barbosa
(Entered on behalf of Marco Raposo de Barbosa by Carbon Films)

Awarded by Grant De Sousa

Judge’s comment (BEST IN CRAFT for Direction): ‘A clever and captivating spin on KFC’s classic platform of the lengths people will go for the taste. The director brings an inanimate character to life (quite literally), with storytelling and pacing that build just the right amount of tension. Performances, tone, and atmosphere are finely tuned, all leading to a perfectly timed twist. A timely piece, masterfully crafted.’ – Mbeu ‘Snooze’ Kambuwa, Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy South Africa

Disclaimer* I was involved in this project. That said, I can confidently speak to the director’s dedication and craft. I also believe the work stands on its own merits among this month’s entries.

Judge’s comment (BEST IN CRAFT for VFX): ‘I was extremely impressed by the seamless blend of VFX into this story. But what pushed it over the edge for me was the innovative use of real world machinery learning and the use of Lidar. It was an inspired choice. A technology used predominantly in other fields such as – Autonomous vehicles, Archaeology etc and, I found it to be a very interesting and bold choice to use it as a creative tool. A big congrats to the team behind this as I think it enhanced the overall feeling of the A.I.’s character and truly brought it to life.’ – Grant De  Sousa, Director at They

Judge’s comment (CRAFT MENTION for Direction): ‘As a director consistency is always key and coming off the back of KFC ‘Cake’ to this – not much more needs to be said. It is a well executed and well thought out creation, the lead character and peripheral performances are all seamless. Furthermore, the world built around A.I was perfect and terrifying. Personally, I liked the dark touches and the overall tone. Credit is most certainly due.’ – Grant De  Sousa, Director at They

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
European Commission X VICE ‘Frames of Morocco ft Ismail Zaidy’
Eyeforce | Arthur Neumeier & Raphadu Maphoto

Awarded by Snooze Kambuwa

Judge’s comment: ‘A beautifully directed journey that holds the audience in its grip from the first frame to the last. The directors conjure a world so vivid and thoughtfully built, it feels like stepping into a dream. Every detail sings in harmony. It’s truly an elegant, immersive dance of story, style, and soul.’

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Showmax ‘Watch Us’
Fort | Amr Singh

Awarded by Snooze Kambuwa

Judge’s comment: ‘From the very first scene, the director signals a bold creative vision. More than an arresting opening, it’s a clear statement of intent. What follows is a masterclass: star-studded performances drawn from celebrities & shaped with heart, a reimagined score that feels both fresh and timeless, and a world built with such beauty and attention to detail. Direction that doesn’t just tell a story, it celebrates African identity.‘

Disclaimer* I oversaw this project. However, I believe the level of craft, particularly in directing celebrity talent, cinematography, and musical score, genuinely stands out among this month’s entries.

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Nedbank ‘Barcelona’
7 Films | Lourens Van Rensburg

Awarded by Grant De Sousa

Judge’s comment: ‘I saw this campaign the other day and it immediately caught my attention. This piece in incompatible hands could have resulted in something very different – but no. Lourens most certainly elevated it and I can feel his influence on the film. He has a very mature, nuanced interpretation and perspective which gave the idea life and integrity. I loved the setup vs the reward aspect of it for the viewer but what it also did, was land a very simple and clear product offering intertwined with a bit of heart.’