CAMPAIGN/BRANDED CONTENT

The First Speech - Reporters Without Borders
Giordano Maestrelli

Nominee

Title:	The First Speech
Brand/Artist:	Reporters Without Borders
Director:	Giordano Maestrelli
Production Company:	Stink Films
Agency:	Innocean Berlin
Instagram Tag:	@rsfinternational @reporterohnegrenzen @giordano__________ @stinkfilms @stinkberlin @innocean_berlin
How does this production embrace sustainability?:	The First Speech, created for the 30th anniversary of Reporters Without Borders, embraces sustainability through both it’s theme - the sustainability of free speech and information - and the portrayal of safeguarding basic of human rights. Reporters Without Borders is an international non-profit and non-governmental organization focused on championing the freedom of information. The campaign, created on the year with the most elections recorded in history, aims to shed light on the all too familiar erosion of democratic values by real world leaders and the use of hopeful rhetoric as a means to manipulate votes. By juxtaposing historically veridic moments with societies impacted by injustice, it demonstrates the value of freedom of speech. Sustainability is a running theme inasmuch as it reminds us of the importance of world-wide free-thinking and free speech, alongside democratic values. Through this, it aims to inspire positive change in the world and autonomous action amongst its viewers.
Synopsis:	In today's world, dictators often exploit democracy to seize control, using populism and persuasive language to win over the public. With extremist groups gaining influence in politics, democracy is facing its toughest challenge yet in 2024. To safeguard democracy and human rights, the free press stands as our strongest ally.   Reporters Without Borders Germany wanted to mark their 30th anniversary with a campaign that celebrates their dedication to holding accountable those who oppose democracy and the free press. In a year when democracy faces its toughest challenge in history, with over half of the world’s population heading to the polls, we joined forces to send a warning: “Trust the free press. Not pretty words.”   The campaign includes three films, prints and posters that take viewers back to the time and space where modern autocrats delivered their inaugural speeches as presidents. Each film paints an accurate and vivid portrait of the nation and its citizens as they listen to their newly elected leader's first words. Through intentional photography and powerful music, the audience is taken on an emotional journey, starting with hopeful chords that gradually darken, mirroring the stark contrast between the pretty words of autocrats and the harsh reality they impose. The sort of emotional journey only the art of film can deliver.   The films kicked off in Germany with a launch in cinemas and across online platforms. Its impact quickly crossed borders, drawing the attention of several other Reporters Without Borders offices, such as in Sweden, which streamed the films on their online channels and local movie theatres. In more repressive environments, like Russia, the state blocked web access to RSF’s website just a few days after the launch of the campaign.