The Loeries supports the brand communications industry across Africa and the Middle East and is the most prestigious creative festival on the continent. It has been running since 1978 and is one of the most sought after awards in the advertising industry, although in recent years they have branched out to reward and inspire both innovation and relevance across all spheres of Brand Communication. It is the creme de la creme as far as awards go in the creative industry in Africa.
"Chasing the Sun" won Gold in the Branded Content category and was then given the highest honour - a Grand Prix, which are special awards given to the most exceptional work on display and only a handful are handed out each year at the discretion of the judges.
Produced by SuperSport, SA Rugby and Johannesburg-based content creation agency T+W, the powerful documentary tells the amazing tale of the Springboks’ path to RWC glory in 2019, when Siya Kolisi lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in Tokyo when the team were written off by most neutral observers after struggling with form in the years leading up to the tournament.
Earlier this year, “Chasing the Sun” walked away with two SAFTA’s (South African Film and Television Awards) – Best Achievement in Cinematography for doccies, as well as Best Made-for-TV Documentary, while it was also nominated for a SAFTA Golden Horn for Best Achievement in Directing for a Documentary (by Greg Lomas and Gareth Whittaker).
The SAFTAs - the most prestigious award in the television industry in SA - celebrate the very best of long form work in the country and are effectively South Africa's version of the Emmys.
"Chasing the Sun" has also been shortlisted in the Branded Content category of the Clios, a global awards ceremony that takes place in New York and celebrates and honours the best work in advertising, marketing and branded content in the world. It sees the likes of the NFL and the NBA in the mix, featuring work from some of the biggest brands and broadcasters in the sports world.
Written and produced by T+W – and completed under severe COVID-19 restrictions – this world-class documentary series captures the sporting drama of rugby at the highest level, the humanity and beauty of its characters and the complex country they love, and the transformative journeys each one of them undertook.
By focussing on authenticity and integrity, dramatic value, humanity, relevance and representation – and by pursuing an unrelenting commitment to storytelling excellence – T+W were able to produce a compelling and deeply moving account that captured the hearts of millions.
