Our Young Lion (and art director) Conal has just wrapped up a week in Cannes. Between inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and a couple of glasses of rosé, he went head-to-head with the world’s best, creating a Grand Prix–worthy film in just 48 hours.
He also kept a keen eye on the work that moved him the most. With a range in tone and execution, here’s what stood out to him the most.
Three Words
AXA
For many women, the one place that should offer refuge and safety - their home - can be the most dangerous place to be. AXA France's initiative redefines the role of insurance, shifting from simply covering belongings to actively safeguarding lives. AXA has integrated domestic-violence coverage into its standard home insurance policies—a commitment to act when women need it the most. Through this policy, AXA France became legally obligated to provide as soon as the abuse was reported. Including immediate legal assistance, psychological care, financial support, and emergency relocation. What made this case study and initiative so powerful is its systemic approach. I found it really moving.
Caption With Intention
Chicago Hearing Society
This campaign cleverly reimagines closed captioning, not as a functional afterthought, but as an expressive, visual language in its own right. Since the 1970s, captioning has remained unchanged. For deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, the nuance of emotion has been flattened. But communication is never that simple. Meaning isn't shaped by what is said, but by how it's said - the tone, the speed, the rhythm, the emotion. Caption With Intention reframes our perspective on accessibility and creativity. Loved it!
The Best Place in The World To Have Herpes
FINCH/Motion Sickness/ NZ Herpes Foundation
It's always a pleasure to celebrate great work from fellow Kiwis and friends! The Best Place in the World to Have Herpes is a pitch-perfect example of how to flip a taboo topic on its head with humour, clarity and craft. This one took out a heap of awards, and you can see why. It’s fun, refreshing and super slick. On the big screen at the awards night, the case study got a lot of laughs. It made me proud to be a New Zealander.
