This team represented South Africa in the Film category, earning global recognition for an emotionally driven film, says TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris. 

Competing against over 35 other international teams, Andropoulos and Makoto won the right to represent South Africa after coming first in the national Young Lions Film competition earlier this year. Their task in Cannes: to conceptualise, write and produce a 60-second film in just 48 hours for Ovarian Cancer Action — the United Kingdom's leading ovarian cancer research charity — with a focus on raising awareness for the next World Ovarian Cancer Day (Friday, 8 May 2026), adds the agency.

The brief called for an uplifting yet powerful piece to bring attention to a disease that receives far less attention and funding than other cancers. Their concept tackled the historic marginalisation of women's health head-on, drawing attention to the stark medical gap between ovarian cancer and conditions like erectile dysfunction, says the agency.

"We found the brief emotionally overwhelming at first," says Andropoulos, a Copywriter at TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris. "The more we learned, the more frustrated we felt. Ovarian cancer has one of the poorest prognoses in gynaecological oncology, yet it's still wildly underfunded. Our idea was fueled by that anger."

"We decided not to make it pretty or overly polished," adds Makoto, an Art Director. "We leaned into simplicity and honesty — and made something that felt urgent and human."

Held annually as part of the Cannes Lions School and sponsored by Adobe, the Young Lions Competitions provide a global platform for rising creative talent to tackle real-world briefs in a high-pressure format. Competitors are only allowed to use Adobe tools, without stock footage or AI assistance, forcing teams to rely solely on craft, speed and creativity, says the agency. 

Makoto and Andropoulos — creative partners at TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris and both career switchers (from design and editorial backgrounds respectively) — described the 48-hour process as "exhausting but unforgettable". The brief was issued at 18:30 on their first night in Cannes, leaving little room for sleep, second-guessing or comfort, adds the agency.

"We weren't the most experienced filmmakers in the room," says Andropoulos. "But we had a strong idea, and we believed in it. We weren't trying to win, we just wanted to make something we could be proud of."

TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris says their entry was shortlisted alongside campaigns from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and others. Ultimately, Guatemala took the Gold, with Portugal claiming Bronze.

Back home, the win was met with pride — not only for the winners involved, but for the agency and the local industry they represent.

"We are enormously proud of Paula and Kgomotso," says Karabo Denalane, Chief Executive Officer at TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris. "Their work is a reflection of the originality, edge and emotional intelligence that South African creatives bring to the world stage."

The pair also credited the agency's leadership and culture for their success, says the agency.

"Our ECDs, our mentors, even the emotional support from colleagues in Cannes like Carl Willoughby [Chief Creative Officer at TBWA\Hunt Lascaris, who judged at this year's festival], it all mattered," says Makoto. "It reminded us that creativity doesn't happen in isolation. It's the product of care, trust and being surrounded by people who back you."

"This team has shown so much commitment through this process," says Willoughby. "They went through the whole emotional journey, anxiety, doubt then finally elation. Seeing their success means so much to us all at the agency. Everyone was rooting for them, and they did it. We could not be more proud of these two Young Lions."

For Andropoulos and Makoto, the Silver Lion proves what's possible when South African talent has a seat at the table.

"As South Africans, we're scrappy, resourceful and emotionally in-tune," concludes Andropoulos. "We're proud to have represented our country — not just because we won, but because we showed up as ourselves."

For more information, visit www.tbwa.co.za. You can also follow TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris on LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor