South Africa’s Keith Rose has been selected as a jury president at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity taking place in June.
He is chairing the Film Craft category, launched in 2010 to award Lions to films based on the quality of the direction, copywriting, cinematography or editing as well as the skilful use of music, sound design or animation. Rose is the director and founding partner of Velocity Films in South Africa.
He said: “Was it done in camera? Was it done in post? Who knows? Craft and techniques have developed to such an extent that it is impossible to decode unless there’s a ‘making of’ to view. One thing I am certain of… if the technique used doesn’t compliment or enhance the concept, it amounts to nothing. Technique for techniques sake is futile. A weak story glossed over by a fancy execution is still a weak story. I very much look forward to judging this year’s Film Craft Lions category at Cannes.”
Rose is no stranger to Cannes having won several Gold Lions himself. He was recently chosen by shots as one of their 100 Top Creative Minds of All Time and accredited by Campaign magazine to be among the top five directors globally. He pushes for the essence of the idea, and uniquely seems to know in advance if it will work visually.
Maria Luisa Francoli Plaza, Global Chief Executive Officer of MPG since 2006, has been appointed Media Lions Jury President.
MPG, which was founded in Spain in 1978, is currently celebrating its 33rd year of leading new thinking in marketing communications. “Having served as judge in two previous Cannes Lions competitions, I am truly honoured to chair this year’s Media Lions Jury.
“Cannes is the pulse of the media industry and I believe that seeing fresh, ground-breaking work from around the world pushes everyone forward while at the same time paving the way for the future of our industry. I’m looking forward to working hard, debating, collaborating and, most importantly, having fun with the rest of this year’s talented jury.”
