SA entries to Cannes on the increase

This year South Africa submitted 531 entries across all categories resulting in 78 more entries than in 2002. The South African entries are as follows:

Film: 133
Press & Poster: 316
Cyber: 29
Media: 35
Direct: 18

"Its fantastic to see that despite the recent worldwide events and the economic situation that has impacted on the advertising industry, South Africa's entries into the 2003 Cannes International Advertising Festival have increased steadily proving that South Africa is brimming with talent! CineMARK wishes all the entrants the best of luck," comments Elmarie Pretorious, Managing Director of CineMARK, the official South African representatives of The Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival.

On the international front the organisers on the 2003 festival announced that a strong number of entries have been received to compete for the coveted Lions at this year's festival and that despite economic and worldwide events the entries are only 5% below on 2002.

The 50th International Advertising Festival will be held 15-21 June 2003 in Cannes, France. The festival is the largest gathering of worldwide marketing and advertising professionals, as well as the most prestigious advertising awards. Each year, about 8,000 visitors from the advertising and allied industries attend this event to celebrate the crème de la crème of creativity in all major media, discuss industry issues and network with one another. Over 16,000 ads from all over the world are showcased at the Festival and a unique programme of high-profile seminars, organised by some of the biggest names in the industry, is also presented. Winning companies receive the highly coveted Lion awards, honouring the most creative TV/cinema, print, outdoor and online advertising, as well as the best media and direct marketing solutions.