Maria Luisa Francoli Plaza leads Media Lions jury, Keith Rose to chair Film Craft Lions jury

Maria Luisa Francoli Plaza, global chief executive officer, MPG since 2006, has been appointed Media Lions Jury President. The Film Craft category will be chaired by Keith Rose, director and founding partner of Velocity Films in South Africa.

Talking about her appointment, Plaza said, "Cannes is the pulse of the media industry and I believe that seeing fresh, ground-breaking work from around the world pushes everyone forward while at the same time paving the way for the future of our industry. I’m looking forward to working hard, debating, collaborating and, most importantly, having fun with the rest of this year’s talented jury.”

Maria Luisa joined MPG in 1993 to head the newly created Corporate Development Department responsible for the geographical and business diversification of the company. In 1997, she was chosen to start the digital arm of the group, which led to the creation of Media Contacts - today a leading global interactive media network.

Rose was selected by shots as one of their "100 Top Creative Minds of All Time" and accredited by Campaign magazine to be among the top five directors globally. Commenting on his role, Keith Rose remarked, "Was it done in camera? Was it done in post? Who knows? Craft and techniques have developed to such an extent that it is impossible to decode unless there’s a "making of" to view. One thing I am certain of... if the technique used doesn't compliment or enhance the concept, it amounts to nothing. Technique for techniques sake is futile. A weak story glossed over by a fancy execution is still a weak story. "

"It's a real pleasure to welcome Maria Luisa and Keith to Cannes this year. Admired by their peers and greatly skilled in their professions, I have no doubt that they will both effortlessly and successfully step up to their roles in Cannes and guide their juries to uphold excellence in the work being judged," comments Terry Savage, Cannes Lions chairman.

Entries can now be submitted in the Media and Film Craft categories. For information, please go to www.canneslions.com