Just because he was a judge at Cannes Lions this year, doesn’t mean Creative Director at Ogilvy Johannesburg, Molefi Thulo, forgot about his squad back home. Here are all the winners of July’s iDidTht Craft Awards as judged by the man himself! Thanks Mo – next round of Rosé on us! 🥂

BEST OF REEL: Mercedes Benz ‘Return to Chapman’s Peak’
7 Films | Lourens Van Rensburg
(Direction Craft)

BEST OF REEL: Mercedes Benz ‘Return to Chapman’s Peak’ by Lourens van Rensburg from 7 Films – Direction Craft
The Best of reel goes to… Lourens Van Rensburg for directing Mercedes Benz’s “Return to Chapman’s Peak”. This mini-documentary taps into the advertising archives to find an old gem and links it to the new to deliver a compelling product demonstration. Some people will remember the powerful message of the original ad, I must say this is just as riveting. The music also does a great job of keeping the suspense going, so well done!

SPECIAL MENTION: NBL ‘Daughter’ by Rio Allen from Bioscope Films, produced by the Video Cartel – Direction Craft
Chills! You’d have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by this commercial. Yes, this subject matter has been tackled by many campaigns before, but I love the authentic feel of this piece. Great casting as well. Congratulations to Bioscope films and Rio Allen for NBL’s “Daughter”.

SPECIAL MENTION: Nelson Mandela Foundation / Philips ‘#shavetoremember’ by Kim Geldenhuys from 0307 Films – Direction Craft
It’s often tricky to talk about a project that you’re involved in, but I must say props should be given where props are due. Kim Geldenhuys of 0307 films teams up with The Nelson Mandela Foundation and Philips to honour an icon of this country, and he does so by applying finesse and his enormous talent to deliver an emotive piece of communication.

SPECIAL MENTION: MTN ‘Laurie Kay Story’ by Jeana Theron from Darling films – Direction Craft
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.