This is probably the most important project I have worked on in my career. I met Selinah when she was a days away from death and in the 3 months that we filmed her, I saw her transform before my very eyes, as the HIV related illnesses that were ravaging her body were brought under control with the miracle of ARV treatment. The Topsy Foundation brought hope and the promise of a future to over 3000 people living in extreme poverty. Selinah is just one of their success stories.
The Lazarus Effect is the dramatic effect that ARV medication can have on very sick patients with HIV. In just 90 days they can be restored to health and given a second chance at life. We saw this happen before our very eyes. This is Selinah's story.
Credit goes to the directing genius of Kim Geldenhuis of Egg films.
Selinah was awarded a Gold Film Lion at Cannes in 2010. The first in South Africa in 11 years. It went on to win many more global awards but more importantly it has spread the message of hope in the fight against HIV.
Credits: Stephanie Van Niekerk, Bridget Johnson, Fran Luckin, Vidette Kay, Debbie Dannheisser and so many more.
The commercial that told this story to the world was the 12th most awarded commercial of 2010 according to The Gunn Report. Little Black Book named 'Selinah' as one of the top 10 ads of the decade.
AWARDS:
One Show – Gold Pencil – Film and cinema (SA first)
Cannes Gold Film Lion
Cannes – Shortlist – Grand Prix for Good
Cannes – Shortlist – Film
Cannes – Shortlist – Film Craft – Original Music
Clios – Bronze – TV
Clios Finalist – TV
LIAA – Grand LIA - (SA first)
LIAA –Gold – TV & Cinema
LIAA – Gold – Original Music
LIAA – Finalist – TV and Cinema
LIAA – Finalist – Original music
Apex Awards – Bronze
Andy Awards – Gold- TV over 30 secs
Andy Awards – Gold- Original Music
Best of Ogilvy Red Lion - Special Ogilvy award at Cannes
WPP Whipped Cream Awards – Gold
WPP Whipped Cream award - Creme de la Creme
Gold Pendoring – Truly South African
Gold Loerie – TV and Cinema
Gold Craft Loerie – Directing
Gold Craft Loerie – Editing
Pendoring Finalist – Truly South African
Loeries Finalist – TV and Cinema
Loeries Finalist - Craft – Original music
Loeries Finalist – Craft – Direction
Loeries Finalist – Editing
Vuka Awards – Best Overall
Vuka Awards – Best Concept
Vuka Awards – Best Script
Vuka Awards – Best Original Music
Vuka Awards – Best Directing
Vuka Awards – Best Editing
Shots Reel – Topsy “Selinah”
January Creative Circle Ad of the month – TV – 1st