Frances-Anne Solomon is a British-Caribbean-Canadian filmmaker, producer, and cultural entrepreneur whose work has been instrumental in reshaping the global media landscape. As the founder of the Cross Continental Forum (CCF), she has created a platform that fosters collaboration and innovation among filmmakers from the Global South and its diasporas.
1. A Global Perspective Rooted in Heritage
Born in London in 1966 to Trinidadian parents, Solomon’s early life was shaped by her family’s diplomatic postings, which took her to various countries, including Canada, the United States, Europe, and Venezuela. This exposure to diverse cultures instilled in her a deep appreciation for storytelling that transcends borders. She later returned to Trinidad, where she attended Bishop Anstey High School, further connecting her to her Caribbean roots.
2. A Trailblazer in Film and Media
Solomon began her career at the BBC, where she produced and directed radio dramas and television programs. In 2001, she founded CaribbeanTales Media Group in Canada, a company dedicated to producing and distributing Caribbean-heritage stories. Under her leadership, CaribbeanTales has launched initiatives like the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival and CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution, which has become the largest film distribution company in the English-speaking Caribbean.
3. Working with Adjoa Andoh
Solomon’s filmography includes notable works such as HERO, a biographical film about Ulric Cross, and A Winter Tale, both of which have garnered international acclaim. Additionally, she collaborated with BAFTA-nominated actress Adjoa Andoh on the film What My Mother Told Me. Released in 1995, this poignant drama explores themes of identity and reconciliation as a young woman returns to Trinidad to confront her past. Andoh not only starred in the film but also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Solomon and Leonie Forbes.
4. Championing Cross-Continental Collaboration
In 2024, Solomon launched the Cross Continental Forum in Barbados, aiming to decolonize co-production practices and foster partnerships between filmmakers from the Caribbean, Africa, the UK, and Canada. The forum provides a platform for producers to connect, share resources, and co-create content that reflects diverse narratives.
5. Celebrated Filmmaker and Storyteller
As a director and producer, Solomon has created award-winning films such as HERO, which tells the story of Trinidadian war hero Ulric Cross. Her work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Visionary Award from the ReelWorld Film Festival in 2018.
Through her multifaceted career, Frances-Anne Solomon continues to inspire and lead efforts that bridge cultures and amplify underrepresented voices in the global media landscape.
ABOUT THE CROSS CONTINENTAL FORUM
The Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025 is a production of CaribbeanTales Media Group in collaboration with the Department of Creative and Performing Arts (UWI Cave Hill). Support for the CCF is generously provided by numerous organizations, including the Canada Media Fund, British Film Institute, Mango Bay Group of Companies, Invest Barbados, Inter-American Development Bank, Picture NL, National Cultural Foundation of Barbados, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, Barbados Film and Television Association, Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago, Telefilm Canada, and many other international partners. More about the 2025 Cohort: https://decolonisingcoproduction.com/
