For the first time in the history of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Georgian speakers took the global stage, delivering a bold message on the role of creativity in defending human rights and democratic values.
The session, titled “Creative Fighters: World War for Values,” was led by Vato Kavtaradze, creative director at Windfor’s, and Salome Asatiani, journalist and host at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Their appearance marked a historic milestone for Georgia’s creative and media communities, placing them at the center of an urgent global conversation about conscience, resistance, and the power of storytelling.
During the presentation, a striking photo featuring prisoners of conscience was displayed on the screen—a symbolic gesture of solidarity with individuals unjustly persecuted or imprisoned for their beliefs. The speakers used the moment to emphasize the moral responsibility of creatives to stand on the side of truth and justice, especially in regions where democratic values are under threat.
“We live in a world where creative voices must become instruments of freedom,” said Kavtaradze. “It’s not just about advertising or media anymore—it’s about taking a stand.”
Asatiani echoed this message, highlighting the growing pressure on independent journalism and the critical need to uphold the values of freedom of speech, dignity, and resistance to authoritarianism through both media and creative industries.
Their appearance was met with warm reception and emotional resonance among international attendees, many of whom praised the courage of the speakers and the clarity of their message in a time of rising global polarization.
This debut not only brought Georgia’s creative talent to one of the world’s most prestigious platforms but also reminded the international audience that creativity can—and must—be a weapon in the global fight for values.
Cannes Lions is the world’s leading festival celebrating creativity in marketing, media, and communication. The inclusion of Georgian voices in 2025 is seen as a significant recognition of the country’s emerging creative sector and its growing role in the global conversation around values-driven storytelling.
