THE CROSS CONTINENTAL FORUM MOVES TO SOUTH AFRICA
Toronto, Canada – January 28, 2026
The Cross Continental Forum (CCF) proudly announces that its first cohort for 2026 will take place in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (July 21–27, 2026), followed by a second in-person gathering during the TIFF Market in Toronto, Canada (September 8–13, 2026).
After two groundbreaking editions in Barbados, CCF extends its mandate to deepen collaboration between African creators and the wider Global South diaspora. This year’s program includes four weeks of online sessions and curated B2B meetings, connecting producers, funders, and industry stakeholders worldwide.
Applications are now open to Black producers from Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, the UK, Europe and South/Latin America, working in documentary, feature film, and television series, who are seeking to expand their businesses into international co-production.
Bursaries may be available to assist with travel costs.
Applications are open until April 15, 2026.
Voices of Leadership
CCH Pounder (above), Hollywood actor, art curator, and CCF Ambassador, remarked:
“Creation, to me, is our most powerful act of connection. It’s how we recognize ourselves in each other. CCF gives creators from Africa, the Caribbean, and the diaspora a space to turn shared heritage into shared enterprise. By building on those relationships, we strengthen our cultural integrity and invest in the future of a truly global creative economy.”
Zikethiwe Ngcobo (above), acclaimed South African filmmaker, producer, and member of the CCF 2026 Steering Group, added:
“As one of the Continent’s key film hubs, South Africa has long been a natural gathering point for African and diaspora filmmakers. Hosting CCF here strengthens that legacy while opening new doors for producers to connect with global co-production partners, making these conversations truly productive.
Driving South African Collaboration
With the recent co-production agreement signed between South Africa and Nigeria, and the continued growth of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), cross-regional collaboration in the creative industries is entering a transformative phase.
Dr. Keith Nurse (above), prominent Caribbean economist, Creative Industries Specialist, and Chair of CaribbeanTales Media Group, noted:
We’re witnessing the potential of the AfCFTA to come to life through creative industry partnerships,” said Dr. Keith Nurse, prominent Caribbean economist, Creative Industries Specialist, and Chair of CaribbeanTales Media Group. “South Africa’s dynamic screen industry, combined with its co-production infrastructure, positions it as a strategic gateway for South–South collaboration and creative entrepreneurship.”
The AfCFTA connects 55 African Union nations, forming the world’s largest free trade area by membership. Within this framework, South Africa stands at the forefront of developing production ecosystems that can enhance global visibility and commercial return for regional creators.
2026 Program Highlights
1. Hybrid Format
- 4 weeks of Virtual sessions.
- Two in-person gatherings, in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa in July and in Toronto, in September, in collaboration with the TIFF Market.
2. Industry Panels and Matchmaking
- Curated sessions with international broadcasters, streamers, and investors.
- Targeted matchmaking to connect Black producers with strategic global partners.
3. Creative and Business Labs
- Case studies and practical labs on international co-productions, financing, and distribution strategies.
- Focus on building equitable, sustainable, de-colonial production and business models.
4. Pitch and Networking Events
- Designed to showcase projects from Black and BIPOC 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.
Applications Open Now
Applications are now open at http://decolonisingcoproduction.com/apply/
Media Contact: Tedecia Bromfield ,
Communications Manager, Cross Continental Forum 2026
Email: press@decolonisingcoproduction.com
Whatsapp +1 (876) 503-2968
Program Funders
Learn more about the Cross Continental Forum funders here.
