Best in Craft awarded to directors, Bruno Bossi from Carbon Films and Zee Ntuli from Darling Films

This month’s IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards were judged by two of our industry’s royalty, Danni Pinch, ECD at Accenture Song and independent Director, Thina Zibi. Congrats to the top dogs this month, Bruno Bossi from Carbon Films and Zee Ntuli from Darling Films, drinks on you at the Loeries!

‘What are the IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards?’ Every month we team up with ad industry leaders to award the finest in South African film and production craft across these different categories: Direction, Editing, Cinematography, Animation and VFX, Online, Original Sound, Sound Design and Final Mix. It’s just another way that we make it ridiculously easy to stay up-to-date with who’s doing the best work in the country.

BEST IN CRAFT

BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
KFC ‘M ssing Piece’
Carbon Films | Bruno Bossi

Awarded by Danni Pinch

Judge’s comment on Direction: ‘I love the quirky world that this piece sets up and that the humour is played straight (which is always the way to go for me). Many of the familiar ad choices aren’t made in this piece which gives it an appealing edge – and there is a lot of love and craft in the playful details.’ – Danni Pinch, Executive Creative Director at Accenture Song

BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Savanna ‘Mozzies’ (Director’s Cut)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli

Awarded by Thina Zibi

Judge’s comment: ‘This is a brilliant example of playful, culturally tuned-in storytelling. Firstly, I loved the clever placement of the Savanna logo in the real outdoors! A small detail but big statement. I enjoyed that this world of Savanna was kept realistic and not overly curated, a breath of fresh air from how we know the brand, while still maintaining its humorous and playful voice. The performances, human and creature alike, are instantly memorable, culminating perfectly in that final, comedic slap of the female character. VFX and live action blend seamlessly. Mosquitoes and chameleons feel like natural extensions of the environment, never gimmicky. The edit’s rhythm, with its wild repetition and mash-up of “We Outside”, builds comedic momentum that lands precisely and never overstays its welcome. A spot that’s smart, funny, and exquisitely crafted.’ – Thina Zibi, Independent Director

CRAFT MENTION

CRAFT MENTION (SOUND – FINAL MIX CRAFT)
KFC ‘M ssing Piece’
Pressure Cooker Studios | Alex Smillie

Awarded by Danni Pinch

Judge’s comment: ‘This ad was the complete package, and the sound is a big part of it. It has a lovely quirky darkness to it. Was there a little bit of White Lotus 3 inspo in there? (tbh made me love it more if there was).’

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION & SOUND – FINAL MIX CRAFT)
KFC ‘M ssing Piece’
Carbon Films | Bruno Bossi
Pressure Cooker Studios | Alex Smillie

Awarded by Thina Zibi

Judge’s comment: ‘A smart and playful spot that proves the power of simplicity. The idea is executed with such clarity, once the lead character notices one gap, he begins seeing them everywhere, and the concept spirals in a way that feels both relatable and delightful. What makes this piece stand out is the craft. The art direction is sharp and inventive, with each ‘missing piece’ moment thoughtfully designed to land visually and narratively. The humour is also heightened not just by what we see, but by the sound design, which beautifully ties the story together and guides the audience through the unfolding gag. A clever concept elevated by meticulous craft, every missing piece lands with wit and precision.’

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Nedbank ‘Travel Insurance Phuket’
7 Films | Lourens van Rensburg

Awarded by Danni Pinch

Judge’s comment: ‘The misdirect of setting up an appealing character and then revealing the menace behind him was well played.’

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Rand Merchant Bank ‘Talent Loves Company’
The Star Film Company | Tristan Holmes

Awarded by Thina Zibi

Judge’s comment: ‘Tristan Holmes’ “Talent Loves Company” for RMB is a beautiful cinematic brand storytelling. The choice to live entirely in the character’s point of view is brilliantly intimate, we don’t just observe his journey, we inhabit it. The pacing is impeccable, with each cut and beat thoughtfully measured to carry both emotion and momentum. The music is a great choice. it walks that fine line between heart and edge, giving the piece a pulse that feels alive and modern. A perfect blend of craft and story that makes you feel, not just watch.’

IDIDTHAT GUEST JUDGES:

September 2025_Craft Awards_Danni Pinch_ECD_Accenture Song

Danni Pinch, Executive Creative Director at Accenture Song
Danni (she/they) spent her early career at Weber Shandwick in London, where she set-up and ran a youth marketing division before moving to Cape Town. After a stint running public relations for Cape Town Fashion Week, she became a Creative Director at leading independent PR agency Atmosphere. In 2012 she launched and led social media agency Society (part of the King James Group) which went onto become one of the most awarded specialist agencies in the country.

Since taking on a role of ECD at Accenture Song, she has brought her social and PR background to creating integrated campaigns, often using emerging media as a storytelling tool. Some of the internationally awarded campaigns she has led include: launching a soap opera on Whatsapp; releasing a podcast series designed to make you dream of Cape Town, and turning Table Mountain into a playable destination on Roblox.

She has several times been ranked in the top 5 ECDs in South Africa and sits on the board of the Creative Circle. Her work has been awarded internationally at Cannes Lions, Webby Awards, One Show, among other shows.

September 2025_Craft Awards_Thina Zibi_Director

Thina Zibi, Independent Director
Thina Zibi is a Johannesburg-based film director with a knack for turning human quirks into cinematic charm. She began her career as an art director in leading ad agencies, climbing the ladder to Creative Director before her love for storytelling pulled her behind the camera – and she hasn’t looked back since.

Her short film Bompi was shortlisted at ARIFF 2022 and continues to travel the festival circuit, including PAFF and AFRIFF. Her web series, created through the Black Women Disrupt program, streamed on Kweli TV, while her debut short Bakhona bagged a cinematography award and an art direction nod.

With roots in the Transkei and a life lived between Jo’burg coffee shops and dance floors, Thina brings an eye for detail, an obsession with character, and an instinct for performance.

Her films balance precision with play, depth with humour – always celebrating the beauty and absurdity of being human. Sometimes she runs on coffee and cinema, sometimes on whiskey and art. And for the record: she thinks strawberries are overrated.

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