12th ComWord portrays innovative creativity beyond AI

Surpassing AI or artificial intelligence, 127 ads and campaigns were honored at the 12th ComWord for their outstanding contribution to the expression of human creativity through technology. Bangladesh Brand Forum organized the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in collaboration with Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity last Saturday in the capital's Intercontinental Dhaka to organize a grand gala in the presence of more than 700 people working and experienced in the field of communications and marketing.

This year, 1379 nominations were received for the award. Campaigns unveiled and aired from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023 were considered for nomination. Of these, 40% of nominations were shortlisted and 127 nominations were selected as final winners.

268 experienced jurors initially divided into 14 shortlisting jury panels and later into 11 grand jury panels conducted the selection process. The 11 jury presidents followed a further verification process to ensure the correct positioning of the winning campaigns. 

At the 12th ComWord, 5 campaigns won Grand Prix, 19 Golden, 39 Silver and 64 Bronze awards. 

While delivering his welcome speech, Shariful Islam, founder and managing director of Bangladesh Brand Forum said, "In the past one year, we have seen great research work in our creative industry with the incredible progress of artificial intelligence." I believe that this arrangement will create a bridge between our past experience and the upcoming future possibilities. Today's award-winning ads and campaigns simultaneously highlight our innovative capabilities and collective efforts. 

This year in association with ComWord, advertising agency, FCB Bitopi launched the 'Reza Ali Independent Spirit Award' in honor of Reza Ali, the founder and one of the pioneers of the advertising industry in Bangladesh. Originally, the award was introduced this year to celebrate independent and creative campaigns. 

This year's gala honored renowned actor, theater director and producer Ramendu Majumdar for his memorable contribution to the creative industry of Bangladesh. Also, advertising firm Adcom Limited was awarded a special award on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee. 

Before the 12th ComWord, the 12th Communication Summit was held under the theme 'Creativity in the Age and Disruption' under the initiative of Bangladesh Brand Forum. With the participation of domestic and foreign experts and professionals working in the creative communication industry, the ongoing trends, strategies, challenges and solutions in the message communication industry have been discussed at this summit.