FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Toronto, Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Following the success of the CCF 2024 and 2025 editions in Barbados — which welcomed more than 150 producers and industry executives from 20 countries — the 2026 Forum continues to expand as a global hub for Global South collaboration.
Applications are now open for Black producers in Canada and across the diaspora to participate in the 2026 Cross Continental Forum (CCF) — a dynamic hybrid program connecting film and television producers from Africa, the Caribbean, and Canada, with expanding partnerships in Europe and beyond.
CCF serves as a strategic gateway for Black creative entrepreneurship and global storytelling, promoting co-productions, creative exchange, and equitable market access across continents.
“Our goal is to deepen collaborations between producers across the Global South and the diaspora, ensuring that our stories travel and our creators thrive in global markets,” said Frances-Anne Solomon, Executive Director of the Cross Continental Forum. “CCF 2026 creates a space where creative entrepreneurship meets cultural exchange.”
Under the theme “Bridging Markets, Building Futures,” this year’s edition places a strong emphasis on Africa, highlighting its rapidly growing screen industries and its central role in the future of global media. South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana will be priority focus territories, spotlighting their creative innovation, production capacity, and international co-production potential.
2026 Program Highlights
- Hybrid Format
Virtual modules across the year.
Two in-person gatherings, including one in September in Toronto, in collaboration with the TIFF Market.
- Industry Panels and Matchmaking
Curated sessions with international broadcasters, streamers, and investors.
Targeted matchmaking to connect Black producers with strategic global partners.
- Creative and Business Labs
Case studies and practical labs on international co-productions, financing, and distribution strategies.
Focus on building sustainable, decolonial production and business models.
- Pitch and Networking Labs
Designed to showcase projects from Black and underrepresented producers.
Structured environments for forming long-term partnerships and co-production deals.
5. Co-production Seed Funding
Presented in partnership with leading screen industry organizations and cultural agencies from Africa, the Caribbean, and Canada. Supported by a network of government, private, and international partners, CCF 2026 continues to build bridges across regions, empowering Black producers and creative entrepreneurs to lead in the global media landscape.
Applications are now open at http://decolonisingcoproduction.com/apply/
Eligible applicants include Black producers working in documentary, feature film, and television series who are seeking to expand into international co-production and markets.
What is CCF?
The Cross Continental Forum (CCF) is an international industry exchange platform dedicated to connecting creators, producers, and media professionals across Africa, the Caribbean, and their diasporas. Founded in 2023, CCF aims to promote equitable partnerships, market access, and story sovereignty for producers working across the Global South. Through its annual convenings, professional labs, and development programs, CCF has become a vital space for cultural innovation and sustainable cross-border collaboration within the global screen industry.
Funded By:
Government of Canada
This project is funded by Creative Export Canada, part of the Creative Export Strategy that provides visibility and funding to help Canadian creative works achieve financial success abroad.
CaribbeanTales Media Group
Built over 20 years, The CaribbeanTales Media Group is the only media group in Canada that provides an ecosystem of screen-based activities that serve Black Canadian, and culturally diverse audiences. CTMG is Black-owned, staffed and controlled. Our Board leadership and staff are mainly Black and are culturally diverse. CTMG provides a pipeline of activities from creation and training to distribution that aims to uplift, enrich, promote and monetize Black and culturally diverse film and television content for audiences.
City of Toronto
CCF2026 is funded by Creative Industries Funding from the City of Toronto, that supports organizations building skills for jobs in film, TV, music, and creative tech.
