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Open Swim’s Marc André Debruyne Travels The World To Direct Another Chapter of Coca-Cola’s Award-Winning Campaign
December 11, 2025

Brooklyn, NY — Open Swim Director Marc André Debruyne returns with another chapter of Coca-Cola’s award-winning holiday campaign, taking audiences around the world in a heartfelt continuation of last year’s celebrated “Balikbayan Magic.” Building on a story that earned a Silver Lion at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the new film expands the campaign’s global footprint and celebrates the universal spirit of togetherness during the holiday season.

Throughout my career, being half Filipino and half French has opened a door to many incredible adventures of filming not only all over Asia and Europe, but also throughout the world. With each humbling experience, one quickly realizes just how small they are in the large world we live in. International filming brings incredible learnings; Beyond the normal demands, now add time zones, cultural idiosyncrasies, rickety boat rides, helicopters, and plane hops. I’ve learned that a hurricane, floods, and YES, even a volcano are normal weather days, and this job was no different as we navigated a typhoon. Every single one of my international experiences has changed the way I look through a lens. With the very many remarkable stories I have, this campaign for Coca-Cola has brought an incredible full circle moment to my career, and I’m so grateful for this perfect way to end the year. 

I’ve worked with Marc André for years, and he’s pretty unflappable. Even with dengue fever or whatever else he’s navigating abroad, the footage is always lovely. When a typhoon nudged this one, I had to laugh. Despite the challenges, Marc André approaches his work with a lot of grace and sensitivity.  It’s a vital time for global connection, and this type of work is so important.

Credits
Agency: VML
Chief Creative Officer: Graham Lang
Executive Creative Director: Frank Macera
Creative Director: Sucheta Shankar
Assoc. Creative Director: Dylan Verwey
VP, Production & Content: Steve Emmens
Business Director: Daniela Zamostean
Art Director: Coralie Adler
Account Executive: Rhea Menon
Senior Integrated Producer: Chris Esguerra
Canadian Production: MOWAD Productions Inc.
Director: Marc André Debruyne
Director of Photography: Lester Millado
Executive Producer: John Nadalin
Production Designer: Jenna Allain
Manila Production: Hot & Fresh
Production Manager (Manila): Nomer Mercado
Editing Facility: School Editing
Editor: Fi Alvarez
Executive Producer: Sarah Brooks
Finishing Facility: Think Tank
Lead Flame Artist: Brent Bergerson
Executive Producer: Danny Appleby
Colour Facility: Kook Colour
Colourist: Yurizen Cabrera
Producer: Melody Chan
Audio: TA2 Sound+Music
Audio Director: Steve Gadsden
Executive Producer: Christine Leslie
Engineer: Andrew Fumerton

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