BBH is marking its 40th year with the launch of a global short film competition. Four filmmaking teams from four countries will be commissioned, with the aim of finding more diverse voices in film and supporting the next generation of creative talent from around the world.
“Differently Does It” will launch in the U.K., U.S., Shanghai, Singapore and Mumbai, with a brief themed around “Difference.” Applications will open via a dedicated portal on May 4 and will remain open for four weeks. The four winners will be selected in July, with each receiving a budget of £20,000 (some $25,000) to create four short films. In addition, they will receive a masterclass from a renowned director and creative guidance from BBH creative leaders to support the execution of their vision.
The films will be premiered in a showcase in London in December 2022, and launched on the international film circuit at the end of the year. The four winning teams will be selected from across BBH’s locations, with one winner from the U.K., one from the U.S. and two from Asia.
“We are incredibly excited to be launching this worldwide film competition to celebrate difference and support diversity in the industry, opening the doors for fresh new talent to get a big break,” said Amani Duncan, CEO, BBH USA. “What a wonderful way to honor 40 years of BBH’s global creative leadership. We can’t wait to see the films created by talented filmmakers around the world.”
Rafael Rizuto, chief creative officer, BBH USA, said, “As a creative who has worked across the globe from Brazil to Dubai to San Francisco and New York, I feel personally connected to this global creative competition.”
The winners will be selected with a focus on supporting talent from under-represented backgrounds. Their ideas will be judged by a panel of filmmaking and creative experts including playwright and screenwriter Rita KalneJais, alongside a diverse panel of creative leaders from across the BBH Global network.
“We wanted to pay it forward and invest in the creative visionaries of this new generation,” said Stephen Ledger-Lomas, chief production officer, BBH. “‘Differently Does It’ is an idea that is borne from BBH’s legacy in engaging with and nurturing emerging talent and placing our belief in raw talent rather than status; essentially investing in the power of difference.”
BBH’s creative work was recognized with more than 45 trophies in 2021, including honors at Cannes Lions, The One Show, D&AD, ANDY’s, Clios and Webbys.
