The Cannes Lions has revealed its 2017 programme and the global creative leaders who will have a presence at the festival this month.
The 64th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has revealed the full content programme taking place from 17-24 June 2017. The role of creativity in the economy, society, and culture is a major theme—reinforcing the campaign for creativity as a positive force for business, change, and good in the world.
Civil rights activist and social entrepreneur, Reverend Jesse Jackson, will discuss why brands must advance towards a more inclusive society and the role the industry can play. Actor and activist, Sir Ian McKellen, alongside The Brooklyn Brothers, will talk about building a better future as well as creative fulfilment.
The unveiling of landmark research by McKinsey & Company opens the Festival. Drawing on 16 years of Cannes Lions data, the analysis provides evidence that creativity drives business value and growth. The analysis will ground the discussion around creativity, innovation, and its connection to business performance.
This year’s debate, hosted by WPP Founder and CEO, Sir Martin Sorrell, focuses on the intersecting worlds of sport, cinema, and marketing communications. He shares the stage with Academy award-winning filmmaker, Ron Howard, as well as Robert Kraft, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Kraft Group.
In addition to the above lineup, Nobel Peace Prize winner and President of the Republic of Columbia, Juan Manuel Santos, joins Weber Shandwick Chairman, Jack Leslie, to explore the lessons learned from the Colombian civil war and resultant peace treaty, and how to tackle the world’s toughest brief—peace-making.
Meanwhile, iconic Oscar-winning star, Dame Helen Mirren, joins L’Oreal to deliberate redefining diversity. Also, Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, will join Maurice Lévy, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Publicis Groupe to ask whether “creativity can change the world.”
A Facebook session on creative mobile work connecting people and building communities will feature Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO; Jonathan Mildenhall, Airbnb CMO; and Colleen DeCourcy, Wieden & Kennedy Global CCO. Others include Karlie Kloss and Hearst; actress Lena Waithe; and photographer Mario Testino, hosted by Edelman.
Lions Innovation, where tech, data, and creativity collide, introduces burlesque dancer, model, and entrepreneur, Dita Von Teese, star of a live data intervention. Halle Berry discusses how emerging media platforms and technology can connect global audiences to personalised interactions and experiences. Tommy Hilfiger Chief Brand Officer, Avery Baker, shares best practices on driving a culture of innovation through talent and tech partnerships.
Lions Entertainment, on the industry’s future and role of brands, will feature global music, film, gaming, TV, and sports talent: A$AP Rocky, alongside Viacom; Run the Jewels, presented by Pulse Films; and Steven Gerrard talks with Casey Wasserman about broadening sports off the pitch. Others include Ellie Goulding, Russell Simmons, Nick Jonas, Ryan Tedder, Gabourey Sidibe, and AB InBev. Alicia Silverstone and Mena Suvari address the power of scripted entertainment alongside Paramount.
Lions Health introduces Jason DeLand, Founding Partner and Joint Global CEO of Anomaly, who will explore the anthropology of cannabis and how our relationship with the herb will evolve. Alongside Elliot Langerman, NYC Chief Creative Commercialization Officer at Klick, award-winning photographer, Platon, will reveal how he brings out human truths and real personalities through photography and considers how to use the tactic in a world where leaders increasingly depend on authenticity.
In a session lead by Pfizer, corporate affairs and reputation communications senior leaders, Dana Gandsman and Ed Harnaga, will demonstrate how they have used creativity to redefine what the company stands for and change the brand’s reputation for the better.
“More than 600 speakers come from around the world to tell stories of how creativity can be a force for business, change, and good in the world. It’s a privilege to welcome them. I know this year’s audiences are in for something truly special,” said Jose Papa (pictured), MD of Cannes Lions.
