What makes Cannes so magical? - Part 1

Of all the creative award shows out there, there's a certain something about the International Festival of Creativity, Cannes. What is it that makes this festival the most magical one? Here's what our first lot of responders had to say.

Ashish Khazanchi

Former national creative director and vice-chairperson, Publicis Ambience

Cannes will always be the first among equals as far as the award shows are concerned. For the last several years, the ideas awarded at Cannes have not just had a seminal influence on advertising but also on the way people live and interact. Cannes for me is more than just about the craft of writing or art directing; it's about the future of communication.

Another great thing about Cannes is the sheer volume of work that one can absorb in a week and be inspired by for the rest of the year. Sure, there are seminars and talks and panel discussions that we can pretend to be interested in, but for me it's always the work first and then all the rest of it.

Nima D T Namchu

Creative head and executive creative director, Cheil Worldwide, India

If you want to witness cutting edge work that's happening in the industry around the world or come face-to-face with your heroes (even if they may fail to recognise you), Cannes is the place to be.

Even in the worst of times, when award-entry budgets get slashed, Cannes is the festival one fights tooth-and-nail to not be dropped out of. As a consequence, the world's best ideas arrive here. To be judged. To be set aside. And some, to be celebrated.

As you know, what used to be the 'International Advertising Festival' is now known as the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. And, for me, that's what really sets Cannes apart from other festivals and award shows; it has gone beyond just advertising. This is where one spends a week being humbled by the magic of ideas, craft, design and technology.

Well, not everyone. I am yet to meet a Cannes Lion winner who is humble.

Priti Nair

Founder, Curry-Nation

The magical ingredient is marketing! It has been the most marketed award festival for the longest time. Sort of like the Oscars or the Filmfare Awards. There are so many other award shows but these remain the big ones. The Cannes show is packaged very well. The 'prestigious-ness' of this awards show comes from its being elevated it to such a 'large' level. Even when you get selected as a juror at Cannes, they say 'Congratulations to YOU' for being selected as part of this jury. So, they have ensured to keep it at that level and scale.

Also, it is very well organised. It is not a small little awards show where the prizes are displayed and you get an award. It is a big event. It's huge; whether it's the auditorium or the things that are going on. It has the largest number of delegates too. And, over the past 10 years or so, it has become a big thing for India because we are winning awards and we're on the jury in good numbers. When I was new to advertising, this was unheard of!