Dubai Lynx 2011: Prasoon to head film, print, outdoor and radio jury

The first three of four jury presidents have been announced for the Dubai International Advertising Festival, the creative advertising and communication awards for the Middle East and North Africa.

Prasoon Joshi, executive chairman and regional executive creative director APAC McCann Erickson, will head the Film, Print, Outdoor and Radio Jury. He said, "I am honored to be part of Dubai International Advertising Festival. The creative tradition from this part of our world has always fascinated me especially when I came to know that in ancient times there were instances of disputes settled through use of poetry, whilst laying arms aside. I am keen to see and gain a finer understanding of the distinctive cultural codes that are bound to reflect in the work. Regional shows like Dubai Lynx are extremely important as they bring to light and celebrate work whose unique texture sometimes remains unrecognised internationally. Encouragement and appreciation is an important part of a creative fraternity’s need and the Dubai International Advertising Festival has provided a stellar platform for this. The team of Dubai Lynx is responsible for bringing in international standards of excellence to this festival in all aspects and I look forward to a creatively stimulating and enriching experience.” 

The Direct, Sales Promotion & Activation and Interactive Jury will be chaired by the chief creative officer of Jung von Matt, Armin Jochum. Commenting on his role, Jochum said, “It is a powerful region with gifted, upcoming creative talents. I am really proud to be able to share fresh and ambitious masterpieces of today’s communication with the jury.”

Mike Cooper, worldwide chief executive officer of PHD, will lead the Media jury. He commented, “I am extremely excited to be the jury President at the Dubai Lynx in 2011. The Middle East and North Africa are at a pivotal stage of development as a major advertising and creative force so the timing is perfect.”

“It’s an honour to have such highly regarded authorities as Prasoon, Armin and Mike guiding the judging procedure to ensure that all the work is evaluated fairly. We look forward to welcoming them and working with them at the Dubai International Advertising Festival where their role as jury presidents will ultimately help the creative development of the industry in the region,” said Terry Savage, chairman of Cannes Lions, who with Motivate Publishing are joint organisers of the event.
The inaugural jury chair for the new Design competition will be announced shortly.

All entries being judged can be viewed during the festival to be held at the Madinat Jumeirah, in Dubai 27 to 29 March; the Dubai Lynx Awards, where the winners will be revealed, will be held on 30 March.

For further information about the 2011 Dubai International Festival, visit www.dubailynx.com.