March 2009
AdFest has kicked off at the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH), Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand.
This year, the advertising festival has attracted international diversity with its ‘Made In Asia’ theme that sees the launch of a brand new award category, ‘Lotus Roots’ and the AdFest Academy, for young creatives under 30 years of age.
In the recent past, the ‘Made In Asia’ label usually refers to poor make and mass production when applied to a product. That is gone now and today, Asia has shown itself to be rich in diversity, creativity, ideas and innovation and that is reason for AdFest organizers to permanently associate the event with the theme tag.
Developed by Ben Welsh, creative director at M&C Saatchi in Sydney, the ‘Made in Asia’ theme tag reflects the festival’s heritage as the original global advertising festival in the Asia Pacific. It also celebrates its commitment to fostering creativity in the Asia Pacific and to building the careers of art directors, copywriters, directors, photographers, agency and marketing executives throughout the region.
“Other festivals may come and go, but AdFest aspires to remain the festival that is most connected to the region’s pulse,” says Vinit Surapongchai, Chairman of the AdFest Working Committee.
“It is the original Asia Pacific Advertising Festival made in Asia, for Asian creatives, to celebrate the diversity of Asian creativity.”
Over 3300 entries from 33 cities have entered this year’s competition, which is markedly down from last year.
Jimmy Lam, President of the AdFest Working Committee said, “Asia Pacific is not immune to the current worldwide downturn and the number of entries this year reflects this.”
The top three cities that have entered work remain the same as last year and they are Bangkok, Tokyo and Singapore.
This year, there are 14 Lotus Award categories in total: Film; Radio; Press; Poster; Outdoor; Cyber; Direct; Design; Print Craft; Film Craft; New Director; 360; Innova and Lotus Roots.
“With the growth of globalization and an increase in integration, AdFest believes it is vital that each culture takes pride in its legacies. The Asia Pacific is rich in its history and traditions, and should share this richness on a regional platform to be recognized globally,” says Vinit Suraphongchai, Chairman of the AdFest Working Committee.
............................................................................
Read ADFEST ARTICLES on TAXI Design Network
This news message is supported by The Bazaar, a marketplace to buy and sell creative objects. Earn more revenue by selling your prints, downloadable images, or custom products. Set up your store today and stand a chance to have your products featured on DesignTAXI, towards millions of lovers of creative content!
