SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 2 by Koo Govender

By Koo Govender | Day 2 at Cannes Lions 2025

Last night we kicked off with an internal Publicis session – a showcase of some of the most inspiring work from across our global network. There’s something electric about being in a room of creative minds, all reflecting on what’s been achieved and what we can learn. It set the tone for the week: proud, energised, and aligned with purpose.

There’s something sacred about an early morning in Cannes. Before the bustle of delegates and camera crews, before the yachts swell with events and the Promenade de la Croisette becomes a runway of lanyards and linen – there’s calm. I woke just after dawn and slipped out quietly, walking along the beachfront as the city exhaled into a new day. I always make time to dip my feet in the water – it’s my little ritual. A grounding moment before the full tilt of meetings and mayhem. The Mediterranean was cool and clear this morning, a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and be present.

Breakfast was with a few key clients and global partners – more caffeine, more conversation, less sleep. But that’s the rhythm of Cannes: late nights followed by early starts, fuelled by adrenaline and the promise of big ideas.

From there, it was a brisk walk (comfortable shoes are key – a lesson learnt after many eventful years here) to a media partner meeting. Schedules are packed to the minute, but it’s always good to sit face-to-face, especially when so much of our working lives are spent behind screens.

A quick stop in at the TikTok Cannes Lions Community Hours at the Carlton Hotel before lunch brought insights and new knowledge to the day, while allowing me a moment of respite before continuing on with my day.

For lunch I met up with colleagues from our West Africa office at a tucked-away brasserie not far from the Palais. The food was simple but exceptional – grilled sea bass, crisp rosé (for them, water for me – I’ve learnt that hydration in Cannes is survival), and the kind of warm, cross-continental conversation that reminds me why I love working in this industry. There’s a shared ambition and camaraderie that transcends geography.

Earlier this month, I had the honour of judging the Gerety Awards, which gave me the chance to engage with some extraordinary, perspective-shifting work. Unfortunately, the demands of this week meant I had to miss the Gerety gathering here in Cannes – a real pity, but time is always in short supply when you’re balancing clients, creativity, and a constant flow of emails from back home.
I managed to carve out a small pocket of time late afternoon to catch up on office work – just because you’re on the Riviera doesn’t mean the to-do list stops growing. A quick coffee, a few urgent emails, a reschedule or two.

The evening ended on a high note: dinner with clients at JAN in Nice. It’s one of those rare places that feels deeply personal. Chef Jan Hendrik’s menu is a beautiful homage to both his South African roots and his French culinary training. There’s something heartwarming about finding biltong on a fine dining menu in Provence or sipping a Chenin Blanc that reminds you of home. The conversation flowed easily, the food was unforgettable, and the setting – charming, elegant, intimate – was the perfect close to a long day.

Cannes always feels familiar, even as it constantly evolves. It helps to know the rhythm of the week: wear good shoes, carry sunblock, and drink more water than wine (though the latter will tempt you). But what I love most is the spontaneity – bumping into old colleagues, sparking new ideas over impromptu chats, being reminded that this industry, for all its speed and scale, is built on human connection.
Here’s to another day on the Riviera – faster than you’d like, fuller than you’d expect, and, always, just a little bit magic.

Here’s what you need to know about our Cannes Lions 2025 Partners LITTLEBIG:

LITTLEBIG is a team-focused, quality-obsessed production company that backs South African creativity where it counts: behind the scenes, on set, and on the world stage. They’ve been with us every step of the way to Cannes and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with them.
Read more about LITTLEBIG partnering with IDIDTHAT to bring you all the South Africans in Cannes news 2025

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