IDIDTHAT JUDGE
THANDEKA GILBERT

Thandeka Gilbert is a multidisciplinary creative force who leads with purpose and passion, championing the representation of women of colour within the advertising industry. With a dynamic career spanning across leading local and multinational agencies, she has shaped award-winning work for local, pan-African, and global brands.

Fluent in both art direction and copywriting, Thandeka’s versatility has propelled her career forward and earned her recognition on some of the industry’s most respected stages – including the New York Festival Midas Awards, Pendoring Awards, Creative Circle, Loeries, and Cannes Lions. Her journey is rooted in an enduring love for creativity and an unwavering commitment to growth.

Throughout her career – through the long nights, early mornings, highs and lows, joyful hard-earned wins, near misses, and everything in between – she’s learned and held fast to one guiding principle: extend the same kindness to yourself that the world asks you to give to others.

In this next chapter of her journey, Thandeka is driven to amplify the presence of Black female Creative Directors, to deepen client-agency partnerships, and to elevate McCann’s creative legacy.

Having been mentored by some of the industry’s most impactful leaders, Thandeka now looks forward to honouring the path that brought her here – celebrating the milestones, making her parent’s proud, and continuing to build a career defined by meaningful, enduring creative work and accolades.

I DID THAT CRAFT AWARDS
Judge’s Pick – Thandeka Gilbert

JUDGES COMMENT ON DIRECTION & CINEMATOGRAPHY
“A strong piece that ticks more than a few boxes of its entry category. An effortless watch, it draws you in and stirs a sense of wanderlust within moments. With longer formats comes the challenge to sustain rhythm and engagement – a challenge this short film meets with remarkable craft. The director strikes a graceful balance between narration, featured elements, and an editing style that holds the audience throughout. Front Runner: The Final Chapter stands out as this month’s CRAFT BEST for me – a testament to storytelling executed with skill and heart.”

AWARDED
10 September 2025

I DID THAT CRAFT AWARDS
Judge’s Pick – Thandeka Gilbert

JUDGES COMMENT ON DIRECTION & EDITING CRAFT
“Gripping and provocative storytelling delivered through a memorable docu-style lens. The carefully composed, non-linear sequencing creates a compelling misdirect within this “day in the life” narrative. In just a short span, the piece vividly captures the inner tension of its lead character. Bold and unafraid, it draws attention to the realities of travel in a way that feels refreshingly human for a bank – no “show and tell,” no talking at consumers, just a confident trust in the audience to connect with an authentic experience.”

AWARDED
10 September 2025

I DID THAT CRAFT AWARDS
Judge’s Pick – Thandeka Gilbert

JUDGES COMMENT ON DIRECTION
“A single-minded piece that showcases a masterful command of light and lighting. By casting “light” as the lead protagonist, the film makes a move that is both simple and ingenious. It becomes the visual thread that stitches together moments of life, creating a visual language that runs seamlessly throughout the ad.

This car ad strikes a sharp tension between grand, momentous scenes and the slick edge of a cool ride lit with style. It’s playful and captivating, rewarding the viewer with a clever twist at the end – a memorable introduction to both a new model and its standout feature.”

AWARDED
10 September 2025