IDIDTHAT kicked off South Africa’s Road to Cannes with packed Cannes Predictions Dinner
South Africa’s 2026 Cannes Predictions were revealed at IDIDTHAT’s industry dinner in Joburg on the 19th of May. Over 220 people from agencies, production companies, and brands packed out the restaurant, kicking off South Africa’s official Road to Cannes in exactly the right way: an industry showing up for each other, like only we can.
This year’s Predictions Dinner was IDIDTHAT’s biggest yet (okay, technically only our second one, but still) and that’s only possible because of brand partners who genuinely share our vision for moving South Africa’s creative industry forward. Clapping wildly for Heineken Beverages, Nedbank and VRtuosus for continuing to invest in the people and ideas shaping this industry.
And if there was one thing that stood out throughout the night, it was just how much appetite there is for getting together around creativity. Before a single frame had played on screen, there was already a buzz in the room, with people catching up with old friends, meeting new faces, and reminding ourselves that while Cannes may happen in France, the gees starts long before. If you didnt make it this year, check out this VIBE!
Guests were welcomed by DJ Nahledi before breakout singer Hanna took over later in the evening during dinner, but at the centre of it all was the work. Together, the room watched the South African work selected by our Cannes Predictions judges as this year’s strongest contenders, with each piece accompanied by insights from the judges on why it stood out and what gave it the potential to resonate in Cannes.
Watching teams sit together and see their work play on screen alongside their peers was a reminder of why this night matters in the first place: creating a space for the industry to back the work, celebrate each other, and head into Cannes feeling like South Africa is behind them.
Video by Cody van Wyk
Edit by Mark Ash
‘Indima’ by Mathousand16 @biblo.tv and @markus_wormstorm
Images by Troye Alexander
During her welcome speech, IDIDTHAT founder Julie Maunder spoke about one of the things that makes Cannes unique, saying “There is something incredibly special about being South African in Cannes. As soon as we land in Cannes, all our swords drop, and it becomes us against the world. We back each other and the work we do no matter what agency, what brand or production company we are from. Tonight all of us, whether you’re going to Cannes or not, get to experience that.”
She also reflected on the diversity of the work selected this year: “Usually there are only a handful of campaigns that all the judges gravitate toward. But this year there’s a much broader spread of work, showing the depth of work South Africa has this year, which is exciting.”
And honestly, we felt that in the room too. Nineteen campaigns made the final Cannes Contenders list for South Africa across many categories.
See all South Africa’s Cannes Predictions here, as selected by our legendary judges:
Andrea Quaye, Marketing Director of Heineken Beverages
Neo Mashigo, Chief Creative Officer of The Up&Up Group
Nkanyezi Masango, Chief Creative Officer of Ogilvy Cape Town
Dr. Pepe Marais, Founding Partner & Group Chief Creative Officer of Joe Public
Roanna Williams, Chief Creative Officer & Co-founder of Boundless
IDIDTHAT proudly partners with brands backing South African creativity and moving the industry forward. Huge thank you to Heineken Beverages, Nedbank and VRtuosus for helping make the evening happen and for continuing to invest in the people and ideas shaping this industry.
Big love as well to Mark Ash, Mushroom Media and Markus Wormstorm from Biblo.tv for all the support.
Next stop: Cannes.
Produced by the IDIDTHAT Content Studio
Credits: Anne Hirsch / Julie Maunder
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If you’d like us to create editorial content, help you strategise your publicity, or put your work in the spotlight, get in touch. Explore our editorial packages or contact julie@ididthat.co Let’s get your work seen. #Boom
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