Ciclope was created to celebrate and unite the best talent working in advertising and moving image around the world. While the current health crisis forced the cancellation of the awards ceremony, we are still excited to recognize the most well-crafted work in Africa.
On the heels of announcing the winners and finalists for Ciclope Africa 2020, we wanted to pass the proverbial microphone to some of the winners and provide them a podium to speak to the Ciclope community.
Grand Prix
“Boni & Wes” directed by Helen and Kim, produced by Motion City Films
“Being recognized for the craft side of what we do alongside our peers, people who we respect immensely in this industry, for a project that means so much to us is amazing. We’re incredibly honored and grateful, thank you.
The whole story is based on the true account of young couple Boni Mnisi and Wesley Leal, so the entire piece was informed by their experience growing up in South Africa, specifically from the perspective of a queer couple and the challenges they faced, being confronted by various imposed norms and structures – these include religion, gender and identity. We were struck by how brave Boni and Wes were in sharing their journey online. This was something they were doing purely to provide education and information for LGBTQIA+. We wanted to help them put their story out there. It really was about paying tribute to them and their journey, and also just to make a good old film about love!”
Production Company of the Year
“We are very grateful and humbled. South Africa is a complex and alive place, full of beauty, confrontation, and diversity. It’s an environment that forces growth, curiosity, and constant revision of one’s perspective. It’s a dynamic source of energy for any creative process, and we thrive on it.
We work very hard to make work we believe in and craft that work as best we can. When those efforts are recognized it’s a lovely confirmation we are on the right path.”
Agency of the Year
“We believe that awards, just like money, is a by-product of adding value to the brands we are entrusted with through the power of creativity. That said, it is always great to be acknowledged, as it builds one of the greatest shortfalls we face daily as creative people: self-belief. So massive thanks to all the judges, to our production partners, and all other suppliers who support us in our daily strive for creative excellence. And of course, our clients, in particular Chicken Licken. Without them, none of this work would be possible.
As a proudly independent South African agency, we strive to ensure that all our work is informed by this beautiful country. Our diverse team across the agency helps us to keep our finger on the pulse of what is happening in South Africa and we try by all means to bake that into the heart of our creative product. We believe that it is crucial to be relevant in the geography within which you operate first, because by doing so, not only will you achieve resonance with your target market and add value to your clients, but you will create work with a unique point of view within the broader international industry too.”
