Executive Magazine, Lebanon representative of the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity for a fifth consecutive year, is celebrating the bronze medal win of Elie Fakhry and Melissa Chamoun from Impact BBDO at the Young Lions Print Competition at Cannes Lions Festival, held from June 17 to 21.
Elie and Melissa, Lebanon’s top young advertising talent, won the chance represent Lebanon on the world stage and join world leaders in advertising in Cannes, France, after coming top over 38 other teams of young professionals in the advertising industry on May 4, 2019. They were chosen for their outstanding work in developing their print ad for Lebanese NGO L’Ecoute by a panel of expert judges gathered at the International Advertising Association (IAA).
The Young Lions Print Competition challenged creative professionals under the age of 30 from around the world to submit a print ad for WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), an international non-governmental organization working in wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment. Elie and Melissa were required to develop an original and inventive print ad to help convince people to adopt an animal with WWF as a Christmas gift, not just to save a single animal, but for the sake of the whole planet.
Mr. Yasser Akkaoui, editor-in-chief of Executive Magazine, says, “If we are to reach real success in Lebanon, we have to begin with our young rising generation. Our creative talent remains our only hope. It is imperative to nourish it, protect it, and promote it. We have been able to work together with the advertising industry to make sure that Lebanon is represented in this festival and that Lebanese talent is showcased for the world to see. My hope is that there will be more great opportunities for Lebanese youth, like the Cannes Lions, to help the next generation to shine and use their talent to make great changes for this country.”
Our sincere appreciation to the generous support of our sponsors and partners: Banque Libano-Française, International Advertising Association—Lebanon Chapter, Advertising Association, Clementine, Fortune Promoseven, Impact BBDO, Its, J. Walter Thompson, Memac Ogilvy, Mirum, Noise, Pimo, Republique, as well as the Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut, and Air France, the festival’s official carrier.
Executive Magazine’s choice is and will always be to invest in Lebanon’s young talent, which is the fuel for our country’s development and growth at all levels. Our drive to nurture and to develop artistic ideas will continue to go beyond our national borders. Thanks to Elie and Melissa for making Lebanon and the Lebanese proud and delighted!