On the other hand, Dali Benssalah, a French-Algerian actor who achieved international fame with his role in the most recent James Bond movie (No Time to Die, 2021) and his performance in a music video by the group The Blaze.
“The pleasure of getting lost in Mexico City. The joy of meeting up at the Sofitel. Both already look like movie sets. An honor to be a Sofitel ambassador in front of these cameras.” — Dali Benssalah, actor
Two celebrities, two free minds, living the Sofitel experience differently, each at their own pace, guided by the same desire for freedom. For one, a film shoot at a colourful outdoor market, an exploration of local traditions and a lively gastronomic experience. For the other, wellness, sport, adventure and laughter with friends.
The result is a two-and-a-half-minute film, titled The Encounter, about the beauty of how two lives, two free minds from different and diverse cultural backgrounds, intersect until they finally meet.
Where Sofitel is transformed
Amongst the newly established Sofitel pillars, we have the Cultural Link. Much more than a logo, these two interlacing geometric curves symbolize the encounter of ideas, people and cultures. This campaign beautifully conveys this concept and the brand’s values.
The French zest comes to life with the open mindsets of the two protagonists. The heartfelt service culture is illustrated by the discreet (yet essential) contributions of the Sofitel team members.
“This video symbolizes Sofitel’s new positioning: a desire to create encounters between cultures, people and ideas – the very definition of Sofitel’s DNA. An invitation to discover the local culture, to open up to others, and to live the Sofitel experience to the fullest, while remaining true to one’s self at all times.” — Nicolas Gronier, VP Global Marketing Sofitel
Where local cultures are preserved
*Since 2007, Sofitel has been rolling out its ‘Candle Ritual’, inspired by the Paris of the 1860s (when more than 56,000 oil lamps lit up what was later dubbed ‘The city of lights’). A unique ceremony in which the Sofitel teams light candles in the hotels at nightfall.
