This month, Barbados became a hub for high-profile talent as acclaimed actress CCH Pounder, celebrated film producer Paul Garnes, and international media executives gathered for the inaugural Cross Continental Forum (CCF) from April 15-19. Organized by CaribbeanTales Media Group and Imagine Media International in collaboration with the Faculty of Culture, Creative, and Performing Arts at the UWI Cave Hill Campus, the forum aimed to foster partnerships, networking, and co-production opportunities among participants from Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and various Caribbean countries.

The forum kicked off with a screening of Ava DuVernay’s critically-acclaimed film “Origin,” followed by an interactive talk-back session with producer Paul Garnes at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination. Hosting the talk-back was esteemed actress CCH Pounder, known for her roles in popular series like ER and The Shield.

Supported by organizations such as the British Film Institute (BFI), the Canada Media Fund (CMF), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), among others, the CCF represented a pioneering initiative to promote collaboration and co-production in the global film industry.

With its focus on fostering diverse and inclusive storytelling, the forum aimed to incentivize regional film industries through collaborative partnerships. Lisa Wickham, president and CEO of Imagine Media International Ltd, highlighted the importance of networking opportunities in forging successful co-production ventures. “Our goal is to facilitate highly interactive networking opportunities resulting in successful long-term co-production partnerships,” she said.

The presence of high-profile figures like CCH Pounder and Paul Garnes underscores the forum’s significance in attracting top talent to Barbados. Agnieszka Moody, head of international relations at the BFI, expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in creating compelling and diverse stories for global audiences.

The inaugural Cross Continental Forum represents a milestone in Barbados’ journey towards becoming a premier destination for film industry collaboration and innovation.