Craft in Culture: Taboo-breaking

Taboos are those embarrassing, offensive or awkward topics which are often avoided in “polite” company, on the basis of deep-rooted and complex social and cultural norms. Even in the 21st century, it’s incredible to think that facts of life: periods, body hair, polygamy, cross-dressing, adultery and homosexuality are still so steeped in stigma.

Behind the Idea: Tanja Grubner

Essity, a global, leading health and hygiene company, has been at the forefront of the taboo revolution, creating cultural change through its impeccably crafted creative campaigns, and changing advertising laws in the process.

News Flash: Full jury line-up announced

This year’s CICLOPE Festival Jury is a distinguished line-up of esteemed experts from across the globe. The full Executive Jury and Presidents comprise nearly 50 industry names who will come together in Berlin to benchmark the world’s best-crafted creative work.

Meet the Maker: Savanah Leaf

Olivia Atkins sat down with director Savanah Leaf to talk about how working on Earth Mama, her debut feature, served as a cathartic and educational process for her career.

Behind the Idea: Bianca Poletti

We caught up with Bianca Poletti, Director of the brilliantly funny short film, ‘Radical Honesty’. Produced by Epoch Films and Disco Pants Inc., it won Gold at the CICLOPE awards.

On Craft: Expert Perspective

We sat down with Jamie Madge, co-editor of shots, to talk about his top trends, predictions and views on craft for the year ahead, from how products have been integrated into some of the most entertaining ads of 2023 to the evolution of branded content (hello Barbie!) and AI.

Craft in Culture: Why craft is embracing joy

Joy and laughter are making a comeback! Why? Because the world has woken up to the fact that people need it. Think of the storming success of the very tongue in cheek Barbie and the withering wit of Succession: both have hit the zeitgeist and each have a very different version of humour. 

Meet the Director: Mackenzie Sheppard

Mackenzie Sheppard is a Canadian film director, born in the UK and raised in Japan, that currently lives in Tokyo. His visual diversity and magical take on stories has received acclaim around the world.

Meet the Director: Matilda Finn

An acclaimed filmmaker, photographer, and creative director, Matilda Finn (MJZ) has collaborated with artists such as The Weeknd, Jay Rock, Brodinski, and more. In this interview, she shares her thoughts on photography, inspiration and art in times of AI. 

Behind the lens: Autumn Durald Arkapaw

Tune in for an exclusive interview with acclaimed cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, where she reviews her creative process and goes though some of her favorite projects.