The expert juries of BalCannes, the regional creativity competition, have recognized those who stood out with their creative achievements and granted them finalist status!
Who made it to the finals? From 30 March 2026, new finalist projects will be revealed daily – Monday to Friday – on the Media Marketing portal and BalCannes’ Facebook page, continuing until April. This year’s BalCannes project showcase will again take place on social media – leading up to our gathering at DK2026.
Please note that finalists will be announced in alphabetical order by project name, so don’t miss the daily updates!
PROJECT NAME: Pink receipt | ENTRANT: AV STUDIO | CLIENT: SPAR SLOVENIA, ZDRUŽENJE EUROPA DONNA SLOVENIA | COUNTRY: Slovenia | CATEGORIES: I. Best on Market: 06. Retail; II. Best in Channel: 03. Best Print (Ad, Publication, Poster), 07. Best Experiential Advertising & Events; IV. Best of Positive Change: 03. Health & Well-being
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of self-examination for the early detection of breast cancer. We based our approach on the fact that Spar stores are visited by 200,000 people daily, many of whom are women – the target audience of the campaign. We chose the receipt issued at the checkout as the main communication channel, an effective form of direct communication, as everyone looks at it.
It achieved significant reach, with 1.500.000 pink receipts issued (until 21. October 2025). Each of them with breast self-exam instructions. The campaign’s reach was further amplified by influencers and media outlets who supported the initiative. During the campaign period, the number of active users on Europa Donna’s website with self-exam instructions increased by 1,002%. In addition, Spar customers made 48,000 purchases of women’s care products, directly contributing to further breast cancer awareness efforts.
PROJECT NAME: Promijeni svijet | ENTRANT: I TO NIJE SVE! | CLIENT: Zaklada Solidarna | STRATEGIC PARTNERS: MOGLO, Renata Lučić, Judita Gamulin, Marcella Zanki, Bruno Anković, René Gallo, Ante Cvitanović | COUNTRY: Croatia | CATEGORY: II. Best in Channel: 01. Best TV Spot & Film
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In a society marked by growing apathy and a lack of trust in systems, solidarity often exists as a concept rather than a visible experience. People want to help, but doubt that their contribution can truly make a difference. The challenge was to restore that belief without explaining solidarity, promoting an organisation, or relying on traditional campaign messaging.
The solution was a hero film honouring 10 years of Zaklada Solidarna – conceived as a manifesto rather than a chronological retrospective. Instead of telling audiences what solidarity is, the film makes it visible through real people and real situations. Five Croatian directors collaborated on a single creative concept, each bringing a distinct authorial perspective, unified through a consistent cinematic language and visual direction. This multi-director approach allowed different human stories to coexist within one coherent narrative, reflecting solidarity as a living system built through encounters, choices, and small, meaningful acts.
The result is a powerful, emotionally driven film that builds trust, invites reflection, and positions solidarity as something that already exists and grows through people.
PROJECT NAME: Rebranding with a new pattern of excellence | ENTRANT: Bruketa&Žinić&Grey | CLIENT: BAČELIĆ | STRATEGIC PARTNERS: Ajedna reklamiranje, Max Maler | COUNTRY: Croatia | CATEGORY: III. Best of Branding & Rebranding: 02. Best Rebranding
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The primary strategic challenge for Bačelić was a restrictive market perception. Despite offering a comprehensive range of construction materials, tools, and safety equipment, the company was narrowly perceived simply as a transactional supplier of paints. This perception failed to address the fundamental customer need, which our research identified not as product availability, but as a lack of confidence.
Whether DIY hobbyists or seasoned professionals, the target audience’s biggest barrier was the fear of an imperfect result. They craved knowledge, guidance, and a reliable partner to help them succeed.
Therefore, the core challenge was to pivot the brand from a mere vendor to an indispensable partner. The rebranding needed to communicate that Bačelić empowers customers with expertise and confidence, transforming the act of buying supplies into a journey toward achieving excellence.
Find video summaries of past finalists on BalCannes’ Facebook page.
Congratulations to the finalists! Only the very best among them will earn the BalCannes awards and will be announced at the grand award ceremony during DK2026, taking place from 7 to 10 May 2026. See you in Rovinj!
