This stunning coup by art director Roberto Adamo and copywriter Willie Struwig, both 24, represents yet another achievement for the through-the-line agency, which is part of the global Euro RSCG worldwide network.

The two were selected to represent South Africa at Cannes from more than 60 entries on the strength of their striking, thought-provoking print poster for the Vision Mission charity project. Their advert highlights the frustration experienced by South African children with degenerative sight conditions when trying to enjoy the magic of cinema.

The annual Cannes Young Lions competition is dedicated to nurturing young, up-and-coming talent in the global advertising and communications industry.

Says Jonathan Deeb, executive creative director of Euro RSCG South Africa: “We are really chuffed that Rob and Willie have been selected for Cannes, and are confident that they will be excellent ambassadors for our agency and the local advertising industry in general. Their hard work, passion and creative zing are qualities that will see them go far – this international recognition is just the beginning of two brilliant careers.”

Roberto Adamo emerged from Vega in 2008 as a naïve but confident art director, and soon made the shift to digital design while at Mesh. But, with age on his side, a yearning for experience in the traditional advertising space and a desire to focus on ideas rather than mediums, he found the perfect home at the Euro RSCG Group.

There, learning the ropes from industry greats, Adamo soon began chalking up modest successes. He won several Ad of the Month placings, had work featured in the Lürzer’s Archive and notched up Loeries finalists (“Can’t seem to catch one of those damn birds,” he mutters).

After three years dabbling in a BCom marketing degree, Willie Struwig became bored with endless economics papers and enrolled at the AAA School of Advertising. At the end of 2010, he graduated as the school’s top copywriting student and began his career at Euro RSCG South Africa.

Unlike many other juniors in the industry, he has been given the opportunity to work on several television commercials, major campaigns and pitches. In his first year alone, his work featured regularly in Ad of the Month and his bilingual talents bagged him a silver Pendoring award.

With both of these promising young minds now being given the opportunity to show their mettle on the world stage at the Cannes Young Lions, the sky is surely the limit. Visit www.eurorscg.co.za for more details.