Film Titans Star in Second Showcase of Movie Industry Forum
March 27, 2025
From Left: Ava DuVernay; top right: Lorraine Toussaint; and Bottom right Marlon James
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill, which plays a critical role in the development of the region's creative industries, is once again taking center stage in facilitating the 2nd Annual Cross Continental Forum (CCF) in Barbados from June 14-18, 2025.
This year’s event will bring together an exceptional lineup of industry leaders, including renowned director Ava DuVernay, celebrated actress Lorraine Toussaint, and award-winning author Marlon James, alongside Guyanese-born actress CCH Pounder, who returns after her prominent role in last year’s inaugural forum.
Under the theme "Decolonizing Co-Production," the forum aims to forge strong partnerships among Black and global majority producers from Canada, the Caribbean, the UK, Europe, and Africa. The event is spearheaded by CaribbeanTales Media Group and supported by international entities such as the Canada Media Fund (CMF), Invest Barbados, the British Film Institute (BFI), The UWI Cave Hill, and the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados.
DuVernay, a two-time Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee, will feature prominently at the forum. Best known for directing "Selma," the Oscar-nominated documentary "13th," and "Middle of Nowhere," for which she won Best Director at Sundance, DuVernay will be present for the Opening Night and will conclude the CCF with a highly anticipated Masterclass open to the public. Additionally, she will serve as a celebrity jury member for the event’s final Pitching session alongside Toussaint. During her time in Barbados, DuVernay has expressed interest in exploring production possibilities and partnerships in the region.
Toussaint, who has earned acclaim for her roles in "Orange is the New Black," "Law & Order," and CBS’s "The Equalizer," is poised to be an integral part of the forum. She will not only serve as a mentor throughout the event but also provide invaluable industry insights to participants from across the globe.
James, an award-winning novelist and the first Jamaican to win the prestigious Man Booker Prize for "A Brief History of Seven Killings," will lend his expertise as a panelist. With an extensive background in literature and screenwriting—including his recent work on the Netflix/Channel 4 series "Get Millie Black"—James is expected to enrich discussions with his perspectives on storytelling and cultural representation in film.
Pounder, a veteran actress known for her roles in "Avatar" and "NCIS: New Orleans," remains a driving force behind the CCF. As part of the Steering Group, she continues to champion the forum’s mission to foster greater collaboration among Black filmmakers and global industry stakeholders.
The Cross Continental Forum has quickly established itself as a platform for networking, mentorship, and collaborative projects in the global film industry. The Faculty of Culture, Creative and Performing Arts at The UWI Cave Hill, remains central to the execution of this initiative, reinforcing its role as a critical hub for creative and cultural advancement in the region.
