CCH Pounder Joins Cross Continental Forum Steering Group Ahead of 2025 Event in Barbados

Toronto, ON – Acclaimed Guyanese-born actor and activist CCH Pounder has joined the Steering Group of the Cross Continental Forum (CCF), further strengthening the global initiative that fosters co-productions between Black and global majority producers.

Pounder, known for her roles in Avatar, NCIS: New Orleans, and The Shield, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity. “I had been talking about turning my eye towards the Caribbean, then I took on films with that theme or origin story. Then CCF asked me to join them. It seemed like a natural fit. We all want to see more of our stories,” she said.

The second edition of the Cross Continental Forum is set to take place from June 14–18, 2025, in Barbados. This prestigious event aims to facilitate co-productions between producers from Canada, the Caribbean, the UK, Africa, and the EU. The initiative is backed by the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Invest Barbados and is expected to become a key annual gathering for industry leaders, storytellers, and investors.

Under the theme “Decolonizing Co-Production,” the CCF is designed to go beyond a typical film industry gathering by actively fostering economic opportunities and amplifying historically underrepresented voices in the global film and television landscape. Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO of CaribbeanTales Media Group (CTMG), emphasized the importance of this event, stating that it aims to generate quality content for international distribution by stimulating trade and sustainable global partnerships.

Call for Submissions

The CCF 2025 is now accepting applications from experienced producers specializing in documentary, feature film, and TV series production. Eligible applicants must:

• Be of Black, Caribbean, African diaspora/heritage, or BIPOC/Global Majority descent.
• Have successfully produced at least one full-length project domestically and are looking to expand into international co-productions.
• Hold at least 51% ownership in a functional production company.
• Have a project in development with international co-production potential.

Event Highlights

The 2025 forum will offer participants a range of immersive experiences, including:

Co-Production Lab (May 2025) – A four-week online program covering:

• Incentives and rebates across territories
• Legal frameworks for multi-territory co-productions
• Funding sources from the UK, Canada, Africa, EU, and the Caribbean
• Co-production and distribution strategies
• Storytelling in co-productions

Decolonizing Co-Production Forum (June 14–18, 2025, Barbados) – A Market Access event featuring:

• Matchmaking sessions for producers from different regions
• Opportunities to connect with buyers, distributors, and financiers
• A focus on sustainable, long-term partnerships
• Pitch Showcase: Producers present their co-production-ready projects to a panel of industry experts.

How to Apply

Applications are now open and will close on March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Producers interested in participating can submit their applications online. For additional information, inquiries can be directed to applications@ccf2025.com.

The Cross Continental Forum continues to solidify its role as a premier platform for advancing diverse storytelling and global co-productions, ensuring that voices from underrepresented communities gain international recognition and reach.

SOURCE FKB Media Solutions

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