28,828 entries from 90 countries have been submitted to the Cannes Lions 58th International Festival of Creativity (June 19-June 25). This is the highest level of entries ever in the history of the prestigious advertising Festival and is being seen as evidence that the sector is bouncing back after the downturn. Year on year, the 2011 figure is a 19% increase.

Commenting on the entries, Festival CEO Philip Thomas said: “Cannes Lions reflects the advertising and communications industry around the world. The record entries show that the industry is bouncing back from the financial crisis. Entry numbers from emerging countries are significantly up, and Asia has a strong presence this year with large increases especially from Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Malaysia and Singapore. We’;ve also seen a significant increase in from Latin America, especially Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Chile and the Central American nations. Russia has doubled, and there is growing confidence in the Middle East, despite its problems, with many more entries from Bahrain, Lebanon, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The USA remains the top country, followed by Brazil, Germany, the UK and France.”

Thomas believes the Cannes Lions’; emphasis on creativity is very timely: “Having spoken to many agencies and clients over the last year, there is no doubt creativity is becoming a critical business driver for many organizations. I’;m sure that once again the winners at Cannes will point the way forward for what creativity in communications can achieve.”

The Lions entries were made across 13 categories including Cyber, Design, Direct, Film, Film Craft, Media, Outdoor, PR, Press, Promo & Activation, Radio, Titanium & Integrated and the new Creative Effectiveness Lions.