Local industry leaders invited to sit on international film festival's jury

Francisco Condorelli, director of Ciclope.

The South Africans joining other global industry leaders as part of Ciclope’s grand jury are Rozanne Rocha-Gray (executive producer at Romance Films), Hylton Heather (production director at Ninety9cents), Jannette de Villiers (executive producer at Groundglass & inc) and Debbie Dannheisser (head of TV and radio production at Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg.)

Rocha-Gray will also join the festival’s executive jury, responsible for determining the 2017 winners. Rocha-Gray and director Terence Neal are a sought-after local director/producer team, renowned for their firm focus on craft.

Francisco Condorelli, director of Ciclope, says, “We take a lot of care in securing judges who are equally passionate about the pivotal role that craft plays in bringing stories to life. We feel extremely fortunate to have Rocha-Gray on board, as well as the other South African jury members, who represent some of the industry’s brightest, most accomplished production talent. We look forward to the insights and experience they’ll bring to the judging process.”

Promoting excellence in craft

For the past last seven years, Ciclope has provided a platform for directors, creatives, artists, producers and brands to celebrate exceptional work, share knowledge and be inspired. Ciclope has been hosted in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, Sydney and more.

“No matter how forward-thinking or innovative a creative concept, with mediocre execution the message falls flat, says SA jury member Hylton Heather. “Ciclope is the only platform exclusively dedicated to promoting excellence in craft.”

Condorelli admits that the calibre of entries received this year has been extremely high; evidence of craft’s growing emphasis across the global playing field. “We’re excited to provide a platform that shines a light on global talent, showcasing the incredible work produced worldwide,” concludes Condorelli.