Introduction to the 2nd Annual Cross Continental Forum

News Americas, New York, NY, March 26, 2025: Trinidad-born actress Lorraine Toussaint, best known for her commanding role as Aunt Vi on CBS’s hit series The Equalizer, is set to bring her star power, mentorship, and Caribbean pride to the 2nd Annual Cross Continental Forum (CCF) in Barbados, taking place from June 14-18, 2025.

Actress Lorraine Toussaint was born in Trinidad. (Getty image)

The Forum’s Objective and Lineup

Toussaint joins an elite lineup of Black creatives, including acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay and Booker Prize-winning Jamaican author Marlon James, at the pioneering event which focuses on Decolonizing Co-Production for Black Filmmakers. The Forum, spearheaded by the Canada-based CaribbeanTales Media Group (CTMG), is becoming a key platform for reshaping the global media landscape through the lens of Black storytelling and collaboration.

Lorraine Toussaint’s Role and Experience

Toussaint, an award-winning actress, producer and teacher, will serve as a mentor throughout the five-day forum, supporting and guiding participants across the Caribbean and diaspora. She will also lend her voice as a celebrity juror for the forum’s “Big Pitch” alongside DuVernay.

From Orange is the New Black, for which she won a Critics Choice TV Award, to her standout roles in Law & Order, Saving Grace, and The Fosters, Toussaint has become a fierce presence on screen. Her return to the Caribbean for this forum underscores her deep commitment to nurturing Black talent and giving back to the region that shaped her.

Support and Partnerships

“Lorraine brings a unique blend of brilliance, authenticity and generosity that will deeply enrich this platform,” said Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO of CaribbeanTales Media Group and founder of the CCF. “Having her at the Forum from beginning to end will be a powerful gift for all participants.”

CCF 2025 is supported by a wide range of global partners, including the Canada Media Fund, British Film Institute (BFI), Invest Barbados, the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill), and the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados. The forum aims to stimulate meaningful co-productions between Black and global majority creatives from Canada, the Caribbean, the UK, Africa, and beyond.

Other Notable Attendees

Guyanese-born actress and activist CCH Pounder, known for Avatar and NCIS: New Orleans, will also attend the forum in her role as head of the CCF Steering Committee. Meanwhile, James, author of A Brief History of Seven Killings and co-creator of the Jamaica-shot Netflix series Get Millie Black, will participate as a panelist, sharing his expertise and creative insights.

Applications and Registration

Applications for producers interested in participating in the 2025 Cross Continental Forum are open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit ccf2025.com or contact [email protected].

Conclusion

The 2nd Annual Cross Continental Forum promises to be an exciting event, bringing together talented Black creatives from around the world to share their expertise and collaborate on new projects. With the support of global partners and the participation of renowned attendees like Lorraine Toussaint, Ava DuVernay, and Marlon James, this forum is set to make a significant impact on the global media landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Cross Continental Forum?
A: The Cross Continental Forum is an annual event that brings together Black creatives from around the world to share their expertise and collaborate on new projects.

Q: Who are the notable attendees of the 2025 Cross Continental Forum?
A: The 2025 Cross Continental Forum will feature notable attendees such as Lorraine Toussaint, Ava DuVernay, Marlon James, and CCH Pounder.

Q: How can I apply to participate in the 2025 Cross Continental Forum?
A: Applications for producers interested in participating in the 2025 Cross Continental Forum are open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit ccf2025.com or contact [email protected].