WORLD’S BEST COMMERCIALS 1998

This was one of the first feature programs confirmed for the 1999 CIFF, naturally. It's a no-brainer, at every festival audiences pack our auditoriums for the best, funniest, and most startling examples from the world of advertising. This year we notcie that classic (non-computer) animation seems back in style, from a great Ray Harryhausen stop-motion takeoff for Dairlea snacks in the UK to a cheeky Disney spin for the . . . no, we won't ruin it. You'll see creative and outrageous plugs for such out-of-the-way sponsors as AGF Mutual Funds, France Telecom, DeLonghi vacuum sweepers, Batchelor's Super Noodles, StatOil and Talon rat poison. Pitchmen include Jerry Seinfeld, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Gheorghe Muresan, Stephan Hawking and an Arctic ground squirrel. The 22nd CIFF “World's Greatest Commercials” compilation in 1998 was heavy with Diana-inspired anti-land mine PSAs. Compare-contrast with Nike Corporation's passionately pro skateboard campaign this year and wonder if Diana's driver could have profited by watching some of the road-safety mini dramas from Australia and Brazil. According to a Belgian candle manufacturer, the unabridged version of this program is available – if you've got about a half a day to spend.