The Cross Continental Forum (CCF), hosted in the vibrant beautiful setting of Barbados, serves as a strategic gateway for global film and TV co-production. This five-day event uniquely positions producers to access markets in the UK, Canada, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, creating a powerful cross-continental network that bridges the Global South. 

Under the theme “DECOLONISING CO-PRODUCTION”, CCF’s inaugural 2024 event demonstrated the forum’s capacity to unite diverse voices, featuring international talents such as CCH Pounder and Paul Garnes, while establishing crucial links between African, Caribbean and Diasporic storytelling traditions.

CONNECTING FILM & TV PRODUCERS ACROSS CONTINENTS

• 26 producers from the UK, Canada, Africa, Europe & the Caribbean
• 25 international Industry experts
• Multi-territory co-production opportunities 

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

• Foster strategic partnerships between Global Majority Producers from the UK, Canada, Europe, South Africa, and the Caribbean, leveraging shared cultural narratives and production capabilities
• Enable Global Majority producers to access multiple funding streams through UK, Canadian, African and Caribbean co-production treaties
• Enhance producers’ access to international markets through Barbados’ strategic location and tax incentives
• Create pathways for diverse content to reach Caribbean, North American, South African and UK audiences
• Implement strategic and beneficial co-production frameworks spanning all participating regions
• Leverage combined tax incentives and rebates across all participating territories
• Support diverse storytelling traditions while amplifying Global South voices in the international screen industry
• Generate cross-continental employment opportunities in production
• Facilitate at least two co-productions from the territories each year.

THE PROGRAM

Co-Production Lab (May 2025)

A four-week online preparation featuring:

• Deep dives into available incentives and rebates across all territories
• Legal frameworks for multi-territory co-productions
• Access to combined funding mechanisms from UK, Canadian, Caribbean, and African sources
• Strategies for maximizing benefits from multiple co-production treaties
• Workshops on leveraging shared colonial histories for authentic storytelling 

Market Access Forum (June 14-18 2025)

A dynamic networking event in Barbados featuring:

• Structured matchmaking sessions between South African, UK, Canadian, European and Caribbean producers
• Access to buyers and distributors from all participating territories
• One-on-one meetings with international financiers
• Focus on building sustainable four-territory partnerships. 

Pitch Showcase 

The culminating event where producers present projects designed to leverage multi-territory benefits, accessing combined incentives and markets across all participating regions.

BENEFITS FOR DELEGATES

• Access to multiple territory incentives and rebates

• UK and European tax relief and co-production funds
• Canadian federal and provincial tax credits
• Caribbean film incentives
• South African production incentives
• Entry into multiple markets through strategic partnerships
• Opportunity to structure projects utilizing multiple co-production treaties
• Access to diverse funding streams across all territories
• Connection to established industry professionals from four regions
• Exposure to buyers and distributors from multiple territories
• Development of cross-continental distribution strategies
• Network building with established industry professionals
• Enhance and develop skills in navigating multi-territory co-production deals.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The CCF is calling Documentary, Feature Film, and TV Series producers from the UK, Canada, Africa, EU and the Caribbean who meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must be of Black/Caribbean/African diaspora/heritage, or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour)/Global Majority descent. 
• Have successfully produced at least one full-length project domestically and are ready to “level up” into international co-production. 
• Hold at least 51% ownership in a functional production company. 
• Have a project in development with international co-production potential.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application HERE.

Applications close on March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. 

For inquiries and additional information, please contact: ap**********@*****25.com

ABOUT THE CCF

The Cross Continental Forum is a partnership between the CaribbeanTales Media Group and the Department of Creative and Performing Arts, UWI Cave Hill. It is supported by the Canada Media Fund, The British Film Institute, Invest Barbados, and the Mango Bay Group of Hotels, as well as many other international partners.

CCF  2025 is brought to life by a distinguished Steering Committee, including Frances-Anne Solomon (CEO, CaribbeanTales Media Group), Andrew Millington (Head, Department of Creative and Performing Arts – UWI Cave Hill,), actor and activist CCH Pounder (Avatar, The Shield, NCIS New Orleans), Cultural Industries Specialist Dr. Keith Nurse (Founding Chair, CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution, and president of COSTAAT), Zikethiwe Ngcobo (CEO, Fuzebox Entertainment, South Africa), businessman John Reid (Corporate Executive / Small Business Entrepreneur), Agnieszka Moody (Head of International Relations at British Film Institute),  and international event producer Diana Webley (Event Director, CaribbeanTales Media Group).