BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
VW Tiguan ‘Life’
Giant Films | Karien Cherry

Awarded by Neema Nouse
Awarded by Dani Hynes

Judge’s comment: ‘I am in love with how crisp and uncomplicated this piece is. There is a quiet perfection. The use of natural light is exquisite and the contrasting of earthy tones with bursts of colour gives a visual depth that feels intentional and effortless. And then there is the music. Ah! I believe in striving to “perfect every detail. And limit the amount of details to perfect”. This piece did that for me –  focused and refined.’ – Neema Nouse, Integrated CD at The ODD Number

Judge’s comment: ‘Firstly let me just say that this was a BUMPER month! Wow guys, what a spectacular show of what’s possible. But even so one piece of work really stood out for me. Tiguan stole the show. It has scale without losing its childlike charm and delight. It holds the balance between epic and enchanting in every shot. A sure sign of a beguiling idea meeting deft direction and perfectly restrained CG to create something really special. Well done to everyone involved.’ – Dani Hynes, Director at Love Films

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
CV ‘The Lake’
7 Films | Lourens van Rensburg

Awarded by Neema Nouse

Judge’s comment: ‘This film took a turn to a place I couldn’t have imagined it going. It is an incredibly brave story to tell and how beautifully told it is. I’m generally drawn to this particular style – artistic in nature but with an intensity that lingers long after. It’s a bold blend of elegance and raw emotion.’

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Hollard ‘Insure Your Unsure’
Darling | Slim

Awarded by Neema Nouse

Judge’s comment: ‘I enjoy how rich ‘Insure Your Unsure’ is. The striking attention to detail – whether in the set design, wardrobe, or nuanced gestures of the cast. Every scenario fills the screen, an absolute pleasure to watch.’

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Cadbury SA ‘#RealMzansiNames’
Mogul Pictures | Ernest Nkosi

Awarded by Dani Hynes

Judge’s comment: ‘The casting in Cadbury’s and the perfectly executed performance of the lead were just captivating. A simple, clear and captivating idea that the team brought to life with all it needed and no more made this an ad that lingers long after the final frame has played.’

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION & EDITING)
Boyd Varty ‘Track your Life’
Fell and Company | Greg Fell & Joshua Swanepoel

Awarded by Dani Hynes

Judge’s comment: ‘The editing and cinematography in the story of  Boyd Varty need to get a mention too. Shooting in a place as beautiful as Londolozi might seem like an easy ask, but with unpredictable targets and no guarantees of what you will find on the day is something to appreciate. Getting results like this, that hold us in the story and sweep us easily into the narrative with ease is no mistake. Each shot drew me in and brought me closer to the subject. Powerful story well told.’

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Shoprite ‘Win a Van’
Your Girlfriend | Morgan Dingle

Awarded by Dani Hynes

Judge’s comment: ‘And one more has to be ShopRite. The art direction and clever use of misdirection in a comedy spot was utterly wonderful to watch. Not to mention stellar performances and a reprise that keeps us smiling after the hard sell retail promise. An often used device executed with a fresh twist that delivers a smile up to the very end. Nicely done.‘