Global Film and TV Luminaries Unite for Cross Continental Forum 2025
- Taylor Lynn
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
Ava DuVernay, Lorraine Toussaint, and Marlon James to Headline 2nd Annual Barbados Event Focused on Decolonizing Co-Production
The 2nd Annual Cross Continental Forum (CCF) will bring together global film and television visionaries in Barbados from June 14–18, 2025. Featuring Ava DuVernay, Lorraine Toussaint, Marlon James, and Carol Christine Hilaria Pounder (CCH), the event aims to foster international co-productions under the theme Decolonizing Co-Production.
The Cross Continental Forum (CCF) is set to return to Barbados this June, promising a transformative gathering of film and television creators from around the world. Under the theme Decolonizing Co-Production, the event will focus on fostering partnerships between Black and global majority producers from Canada, the Caribbean, the UK, Europe, and Africa.
This year’s forum boasts an impressive lineup of participants, including acclaimed director Ava DuVernay, award-winning actress Lorraine Toussaint, celebrated author Marlon James, and actor CCH Pounder. The event is spearheaded by CaribbeanTales Media Group (CTMG), with support from organizations like the Canada Media Fund (CMF), Invest Barbados, and the British Film Institute (BFI).
Star Power at CCF 2025
Ava DuVernay, known for her groundbreaking work on Selma and 13th, will play a central role at the forum. She is set to deliver a public masterclass during the closing session and serve as a celebrity jury member for the final pitching event. DuVernay’s ARRAY organization has long championed diverse storytelling, making her an ideal contributor to this year’s theme.
Lorraine Toussaint, celebrated for her roles in Orange is the New Black and The Equalizer, will mentor participants throughout the forum. With her extensive experience as both an actress and producer, Toussaint brings invaluable insights to aspiring storytellers.
Marlon James, the first Jamaican author to win the prestigious Man Booker Prize for his novel A Brief History of Seven Killings, will join as a panelist. James recently ventured into screenwriting with HBO/Channel 4’s Get Millie Black, filmed in Jamaica. His participation underscores the forum’s commitment to amplifying voices from across the diaspora.
CCH Founder, known for her roles in Avatar and NCIS: New Orleans, leads the CCF Steering Group. A passionate advocate for Caribbean storytelling, Pounder continues to champion initiatives that elevate underrepresented voices in global media.
A Platform for Change
Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO of CTMG and an award-winning filmmaker herself, emphasized the forum’s importance:
“CCF is a crucial hub for global film and television collaborations. Each participant brings extraordinary perspectives from our worldwide diaspora, enriching this platform with their talent and vision.”
The forum will feature activities such as matchmaking sessions with buyers and distributors, co-production labs exploring funding strategies across territories, and a pitch showcase where producers present projects ready for international collaboration.
Opportunities for Emerging Producers
The CCF is currently accepting applications from experienced producers of documentary films, feature films, and TV series who identify as BIPOC or are of Black/Caribbean/African descent. Full bursaries are available for eligible filmmakers from Canada, South Africa, the UK, and the Caribbean. Applications close on March 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. Submit applications here.
Discounted Rate: If you apply as a co-producer with a BIPOC producer who is accepted, you may be eligible to attend at a discounted rate. The BIPOC producer must own at least 51% of the applying company and project.
The Cross Continental Forum continues to position itself as a vital platform for fostering global partnerships while challenging traditional narratives in media production. For more information or to apply, visit CCF’s official website before the deadline.
For more on the CaribbeanTales organization visit the website: https://www.caribbeantales.org/ and follow on Instagram.