Nkanyezi’s comment: ‘This is an ambitious idea. It relies on so many components to work: performance, animation and storytelling. If just one of those elements is compromised, the whole thing would tumble like a house of cards. But Zee Ntuli not only managed to make each of these work – he elevated them so much that they’re not distracting from the narrative. That’s the purpose of craft, to get out of the way. Zee understood the assignment and delivered. It’s a magnificent achievement.’

Sibusiso’s comment: ‘A beautiful way to dress an ugly subject. I think this piece is a powerful message told in the most elegant way. Its power lies in the idea of a protective bridal gown, and makes us question the safety of women in marriage. It’s a haunting film, powerfully executed.’

Lourens’ comment: ‘My special mention goes to Jeana for her direction on Bride Armour. Again it is the love of her craft that turns a really difficult subject into a visually stunning and entertaining piece of communication. The director has done an incredible job with a sensitive subject through beautiful images which are also thought-provoking and hard-hitting. Through the use of her craft, Jeana manages to land a difficult South African truth by giving her audience access to her ideas and inviting them into her poetic world. Sublime use storytelling craft! Beautiful work, well done.’

Sibusiso’s comment: ‘A beautiful way to dress an ugly subject. I think this piece is a powerful message told in the most elegant way. Its power lies in the idea of a protective bridal gown, and makes us question the safety of women in marriage. It’s a haunting film, powerfully executed.’

Lourens’ comment: ‘My special mention goes to Jeana for her direction on Bride Armour. Again it is the love of her craft that turns a really difficult subject into a visually stunning and entertaining piece of communication. The director has done an incredible job with a sensitive subject through beautiful images which are also thought-provoking and hard-hitting. Through the use of her craft, Jeana manages to land a difficult South African truth by giving her audience access to her ideas and inviting them into her poetic world. Sublime use storytelling craft! Beautiful work, well done.’

Steph’s comment: ‘Full Disclosure: I work at Grey/Wpp Liquid but I don’t touch this account. Even so, I was hard-pressed to find anything more deserving of best of craft this month and I’ll tell you why. Someone took the old cocktail/ intrinsic video and elevated it to something cinematic and beautiful. This alone deserves a nod. The images are beautifully shot and edited together to create a visceral feast for the eyes. Love the grade, the music and the pace – all of which is crafted with a delicate hand. Go and have a look, it’s oddly satisfying to watch. Big ups to Jeana and the team.’

Mark’s comment: ‘Beauty at its best. The micro shots work fantastically. These are difficult to execute successfully. This film is wonderfully directed and the use of sound design is superb. The change from the staccato Tango music to a Waltz/Foxtrot track effortlessly creates high-drama and a really lovely ebb and flow that add to the aspirational nature of the final product and brand.’

Kabelo’s comment: ‘The first piece that stands out is from the agency that I recently joined. The work speaks for itself. It is simply an enjoyable spot. It is beautifully shot with great casting and performances to match. It takes you on a journey that is refreshing with every watch. Zee nails every shot, from the very intimate, to the awkward, somewhat comedic, and that jolt of high energy at the end. Slick and clean camera work that builds anticipation at the right moments as well as the gradual suspense frame after frame, and then boom, so much excitement that rekindles that feeling of those moments that we all have missed since the whole world has turned upside down.’

Tebza’s comment: ‘Once again Zee illustrates why he is a special talent, the pacing of this ad is perfect. The rhythm has the sensibility of a jazz song . You’re not sure what the next frame will give you but you know it’s gonna be delicious, sumptuous. The attention to detail that Zee has permeates throughout all his work and he takes it to another level on this. I’ve watched this ad numerous times but I’m delighted each time. Bravo Zee. Oh, and salute on that slick finger-licking moment.’

Bruno’s comment: ‘Navigating a script that speaks to a current mood and relies heavily on capturing nuanced performances is not an easy task. Getting the tone right is tricky. Zee manages to capture the tone in a visually arresting way while still showing restraint with each character. It could have wandered off into the well-trodden space of everyday frustrations with something we are all familiar with, or it could have been just another beautifully shot spot. But instead, the spot engages with the audience on a deeper level. Textured locations, deliberate camera moves and well-chosen cast combined with interesting personal moments make this spot resonate with the audience and hopefully does give them one last push. The director’s job also doesn’t end until the edit is done and having a firm hand in the edit room is what takes this piece over the line. Another great spot for the ever-growing body of work for Zee.’

Peter’s comment: ‘When you tell a story you can use realism or symbolism. The majority of the stories we tell today embrace realism, I suppose it’s the time we’re living in. Ross, however always seems to bring an artful symbolism to his work that makes it captivating, ethereal and distinctive. Faral for Pam Golding is no different. The framing, edit, grade, VO and subject matter all combine to mesmerise you in a story worth watching.’

Alan’s comment: ‘Visually a beautiful film. Every image showcases Ross’s photographic prowess and strong visual eye. I must say, I didn’t feel much emotion for the hero and his love for bees. It took me a while to realise that the beekeeper and the runner were the same guy. In fact, I only realised this after reading the end line. A bit more emotion and it definitely would have elevated the film to winner status. At least that’s my 5 cents worth! Nevertheless, Ross, this is a film to be extremely proud of. On a side note, it’s awesome to see brands like Pam Golding stepping out of their comfort zone and making communication that really sticks out from their competitors. To quote another famous bee lover: “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” —Winnie the Pooh’

Mpho’s comment: ‘I love everything about this commercial. Zee has given this spot the right amount of drama, emotion and humanity. From cinematography to the seamless transitions through these well-articulated worlds of characters. Zee represents all that is great in the commercial (filmmaking) space. All his creative decisions are informed by research and an understanding of his market. He’s a reminder why (the future of) advertising is in good hands. A star that continues to rise above the rest, with the work he and his team produce.’

Anton’s comment: ‘Corporate ads can sometimes be pompous and heavy-handed, but I found this piece by Ross Garrett for Standard Bank to be incredibly warm and understated. And that’s what gives it its power. It’s beautiful but authentic, strong but humble. That’s tonally a very difficult thing to pull off, which is why this deserves a Best in Craft for direction. Think of all the ways the execution could have rung false or been pretentious. Instead, the cinematography, performance, music, editing and narration are all used sparingly and in perfect harmony to make a piece that shouts loudly by speaking softly.’

Trevor’s comment: ‘Just a gorgeously crafted piece of work. Well done.’

Claudi’s comment: “We’ve all become a little desensitised to drinking and driving commercials, which often resort to shock tactics to make us stop and think. But this concept has shifted the focus from the driver to the passenger seats, and it was executed in a way that had the right impact. Kudos to Slim for the sincere performances and simple storytelling.”

Lebogang’s comment: “I just love this spot. When I watch the Afro Punk piece I see a mark of excellence. Director Kit is making such great work, on repeat as if rehearsed she just gets better, stronger, smarter.”

Fran’s comment: “Again with the confessions: this piece of work was done for our agency. But I want to applaud the director here, for using restraint and superb judgement to let the script and the actor shine.”

Dani’s comment: “Made by Africans deserves a shout-out for being a perfect blend of excellent art direction, amazing wardrobe, authentic and powerful moments with our continent’s most incredible creators, actors, writers, artists and talent. A compelling and breathtaking showcase for all the world to see. Nicely done!”

Sibusiso’s comment: “Easily the sexiest bank commercial I’ve seen in a very long time! Ross Garett is obviously in his element, the shots are a menagerie of grades, textures, colours and styles that work beautifully together to create a film that is a credible glimpse into a youthful state of being. The sheer attitude of the visuals, the voice-over, and the shots are so captivating you’re left wanting more. Well done to Standard Bank for being brave enough to make such a stunning piece of film.”

Judges Comment: “Since 1999, the Johnnie Walker brand has been telling people to “Keep Walking”, inspiring people to think of their own journey of progression. This month Best of Reel for direction, goes to Ross Garret’s, Johnnie Walker “Trevor Noah” which without a doubt inspires progress. Through a fresh, modern fast-paced direction style, Ross managed to honour the brands history, where it has come from, and where it’s heading. If you break down the story being told, it is a very simple one and one we know. But through his loose camera work, dynamic editing approach, old school projector effects, music, sound and visuals, he has managed to create a film that keeps you engaged and inspires you to ‘keep walking’. Nicely done!!!!”

Judges Comment: “I saw the running boy ad on TV, which is weird because who sees ads on TV anymore? Not me generally, it must have been half time during the rugby or something, but anyway, it stood out to me. I think it’s the simplicity, the commitment to getting it in (what is seemingly) one shot and the camera being really intimate with the characters in the scene that make it feel fresh and interesting. Sometimes less is more and that’s certainly the case here.”

Judges Comment: “The rugby narrative is delivered in an unexpected yet impactful way that gives one ‘the feels’. I love how the director delivered the story of the lone rugby supporter in a family of soccer lovers. Zee got us to root for Die Bokke by drawing us closer to the trials of the lead and touching on our affinity for family bonds. Nice one Zee and team!”

Judges Comment: “The success of this film relied entirely on Zee Ntuli achieving perfect balance between keeping the story raw enough to do justice to the script and subject matter, but bearable enough to watch until the end. A heavy task handled delicately with thoughtful casting and direction, clever lighting and intuitive camera work from Tom Revington (DOP).”

Judges Comment: “A special mention for direction to Ross Garrett for “Joburg Ballet X Superbalist”. It’s not easy to capture the power of dance. Ross did it as artfully as the dancers captured the emotion of the subject matter. Great camera movement, simple and clean location, uncluttered yet so powerful. Well done Ross. These were beautiful to watch.”

Judges Comment: “A supporter ad is bound to be a cheese fest, and can easily turn into something that feels more like shared shame, than shared pride. However, Chloe managed to keep the performances real and likeable, and the track is perfect. Getting sportsmen to act like real people also deserves a nod. Love the well-considered opening sequence as well.”

Judges Comment: “I love the treatment of the voice-over: the unscripted feel and performance give the ad an emotional depth. The hand-held camera, which restlessly alternates between close up intimacy and moving behind and around things, gives a real sense of how a child might experience the events of the story: fragmented, uncertain, but also at very close quarters. The grade and lighting give the visuals a rich cinematic moodiness, turning the humble setting of the home, the hospital and the shop into a theatre for tragedy and heartbreak”

Judges Comment: “I like the unusual storytelling here. The lead is believable and comfortably takes us through the offbeat edit. While one of the most interesting ad soundtracks I’ve heard in a while, weaves around what could have been just another clothing catalogue for Edgars.”

Judges Comment: “Chloe at her best having fun, fun, fun with tongue firmly in cheek. Liking the melodrama of these ever so simple spots. No dramatic sweeping or swooping of camera just wonderful direction of simple, single-minded performances. Nicely offset by the choice of music.”

Judges Comment: “Another Nandos’ ad that makes us take a good, long laugh at ourselves. Great casting, timing and performance keep it extra spicey.”

Judges Comment: “Congrats to Zee Ntuli from Darling Films for MTN ‘The Steve Tshwete Story’. This is a really compelling piece of film. It draws you in with those beautiful, evocative early morning shots on the way to Robben Island and then holds your attention with a combination of interesting framing, considered sound design, edit and a restrained script. Really, really nicely done.”

Judges Comment: “It’s tough having to talk up a project that you have close ties to, but this piece is truly epic. A larger than life story brought to life in the most fitting and meaningful way. A raw and gritty emotional journey of a legend being reborn told through captivating visual metaphors and moving sound design. An old story retold in a way that appeals to a new, younger audience.”

Judges Comment: “Last, but certainly not least a shout-out to Jeana for bringing this story to life. South Africans never tire of talking about this particular Rugby World Cup, and this commercial definitely evokes those memories, only here it’s told from the point of view of the pilot who flew a 747 over the stadium. Clever twists in the storytelling and an interesting visual treatment.”

Judges Comment: “So, I’m going to be honest. When I viewed this ad, my first reaction was WTF. Then I walked away and got distracted but not for long as the ad kept popping back into my head. I am not a ballet fan at all. But what this piece did do was make me think of ballet, something I have not done in years. So, on second viewing, although it did not have me doing pirouettes or grand jetè’s, it did change my perception of the Joburg ballet. By using popular newsworthy events with an edgy soundtrack and creating bite-sized ballet stints out of them, makes this dance style more contemporary and accessible to ballet philistines like me. I look forward to more palatable #bitesizeballet.“

Judges Comment: “Darling’s Chloe Coetzee directs a quirky spot for SABC TV Licences – with fantastic casting, awkward performances and daft production design….which all adds up to a director that really cares about the details.“

Judges Comment: “What could so easily have been a dull and familiar spot, this piece entitled ‘Dream Census’ feels intriguing and human thanks to beautifully observed portraiture from Ross Garret and the Darling Films team, and for navigating this tricky subject matter so elegantly, the team deserve a special mention.”