Mazda Drives Into Film with CX-5 Genre Shorts

Mazda is venturing into the world of cinema to promote its CX-5 SUV with a unique campaign titled "5 Sides of the CX-5." This strategy involves releasing five short films, each inspired by a distinct movie genre: romance, action, sci-fi, musical, and horror.

Director Paul Hunter helmed the project, crafting compelling narratives where the CX-5 plays a pivotal role as the companion and enabler for the heroines. Mazda's Chief Marketing Officer, Brad Audet, explained that this approach was necessary to stand out in a highly competitive SUV category, aiming to capture the attention of their multi-dimensional target demographic.

The campaign debuted during the Academy Awards and leverages a multi-platform distribution strategy, including digital video platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Hulu. Mazda is even considering screening these short films in movie theaters, potentially alongside upcoming summer blockbusters, to maximize reach and impact.

While the films are designed to entertain first and foremost, Mazda ensures the CX-5 and its features are prominently integrated. The automaker has already released the action and romance shorts, with horror and musical films becoming available soon after March 31, 2026. This campaign represents a bold move to connect with consumers through emotional storytelling and cinematic experiences.