June welcomes yet another international festival to the stunning region of Cannes. The Cannes International Festival of Creativity is a massive event designed to bring together advertising professionals to bring the recognition their work deserves.
What is the Lions Festival all about?
Formerly known as the International Advertising Festival, this global event brings together professionals in the fields of communications and advertising.
It's known as the largest gathering of worldwide advertising experts and can include approximately 11,000 registered delegates from 90 different countries.
It's known as the largest gathering of worldwide advertising experts and can include approximately 11,000 registered delegates from 90 different countries.
The 7 day long festivities are held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres (the same venue as the Cannes Film Festival which was the inspiration) and takes place annually.
Palais des Festivals et des Congres; the venue for Lions
Inspired by the Cannes Film Festival, a group of cinema screen advertising contractors, belonging to the Screen Advertising World Association, came together in the late 1940's and felt that the makers of advertising films should also be recognised for their creations.
In 1954, the first International Advertising Film Festival was held in Venice and featured 187 film entries from 14 countries.
The famous Lion trophy given to winners was inspired by the lion of the Piazza San Marco in Venice.
The famous Lion trophy given to winners was inspired by the lion of the Piazza San Marco in Venice.
The elegant lion statue at the Piazza San Marco in Venice; the inspiration for the trophy
In the 1990's, a programme of learning was created in the form of seminars and workshops held throughout the event. From 2013, the programme featured around 130 sessions over the 7 days and included talks from big names such as photographer Annie Leibovitz, actor and musician, Jack Black and F1 driver, Jenson Button.
Who judges the entries?
The managing director of the festival is Jose Papa, Terry Savage is the chairman of the festival and Philip Thomas is the chief executive officer of Ascential Events.
Jose Papa; Managing Director of Lions Festival
Philip Thomas; Chief Executive Officer of Ascential Events
Terry Savage; Chairman of the Lions Festival
Global experts are drawn to make up the juries to choose which pieces win which awards.
What kind of categories are involved?
Submissions can include Film, Media, PR, Press, Creative Effectiveness, Design and lots more.
Other annual awards include Network of the Year, Agency of the Year, Media Person of the Year and more.
There's also the Lions equivalent of the Palme d'Or award for Best Production Company.
Other annual awards include Network of the Year, Agency of the Year, Media Person of the Year and more.
There's also the Lions equivalent of the Palme d'Or award for Best Production Company.
The Young Lions Competitions
Established in 1995 and was previously known as the Young Creatives Competition. It is open to advertising professionals up to the age of 28 and their projects are managed in teams of two.
Lions Health
2012 saw a two day event established for creative communications in the healthcare, well-being and sustainability sectors. Running just before the main Lions festival, the event is two days long.
Lions 2017
This year is set to be another big year for professionals in the advertising industry. As always, the event draws in some fantastic personalities from various sectors and this year features actor Sir Ian McKellen, actress Gabourey Sidibe, creative director of Apple/Beats, Zane Lowe and speakers from Facebook including Sheryl Sandberg.
Gabourey Sidibe; actress & director; speaking at Lions Festival 2017
Sir Ian McKellen; actor; speaking at Lions Festival 2017
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