Released Thursday night in Cannes, the Film Lions shortlist provides a snapshot of the ad world’s best TV in a given year. Out of 260 finalists, 23 were from Asia: Thailand 6, China and Japan 5 each, India 3, HK 2, Indonesia, Malaysia 1 each.
Among the Asian finalists are the Times of India’s "A Day in the Life of Chennai", two Nokia N96 Bruce Lee videos from China, Japan’s lovely “Sagami/Love Distance” and oddball "Beauty Bowling" spots, and more of Thailand’s funny TV commercials, including two for a bank. Indonesia’s finalist ‘Dojo’ was created for Lifebuoy Shampoo by Lowe Indonesia, and won Indonesia’s first Gold at ADFEST 2009. Malaysia’s finalist "The Funeral" is by Leo Burnett Malaysia for Singapore’s Ministry for Community Development, Youth & Sports. (Burnett’s Yasmin Ahmad, who wrote and directed "Funeral", is also known for the beloved Petronas "Tan Hong Ming" ad.)
Some commentators are predicting that an internet or viral spot may take the FIlm Grand Prix, sealing the ad world’s acceptance of the digital takeover — a truth the rest of the world knew long ago. We shall see.
