Frances-Anne Solomon’s acclaimed feature film HERO: Inspired by the Extraordinary Life & Times of Mr. Ulric Cross has been celebrated for bringing to life the remarkable journey of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most decorated sons. But behind the story of war hero, lawyer, diplomat, and judge Ulric Cross lies another, equally compelling narrative: the women who helped shape both his life and the film itself.
Solomon, the award-winning director, was determined to centre women’s voices in a tale often dominated by men such as Kwame Nkrumah, George Padmore, and Patrice Lumumba. “I brought a different perspective to this extraordinary story,” she explains. “It was important for me to position the story’s lens as female.”
The Storyteller: Nicola Cross
Central to HERO is the fictionalised character Nicola Cross, representing Ulric’s daughter. Played by Jessica B. Hill, Nicola interrogates her father in his later years, drawing out the extraordinary episodes of his life.
“Nicola represents my perspective across generations and genders,” Solomon says. Thanks to the real Nicola Cross, who shared personal photos, memories, and letters, the filmmakers were able to reveal the man behind the hero—a devoted father who believed in a better world.
The Love Interest: Anne Cross
Anne Cross, Ulric’s wife, emerges in the film as an activist and partner whose courage defied stereotypes. Played by Pippa Nixon, Anne travels with Ulric across the globe, embodying strength and resilience in the face of cultural and social challenges.
“Her authenticity and guts shone through,” Solomon recalls. “Anne’s story offers an intimate glimpse into the private integrity behind Ulric’s public achievements.”
The Antagonist: Daphne Park
Not all the female figures in HERO are allies. One of the film’s most striking characters is Daphne Park, an MI6 officer implicated in the assassination of Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba.
“Cambridge-educated, smooth as butter, and ruthless, Park was the perfect villain,” Solomon notes. Canadian actor Valerie Buhagiar plays the role, embodying the cold resolve of British imperial interests working to undermine African independence.
The Revolutionary: Amy Ashwood Garvey
While men often fronted the African independence movements of the 20th century, women organised behind the scenes. Among them was Amy Ashwood Garvey, widow of Marcus Garvey, whose Pan-Africanist activism bridged the Caribbean and Africa.
Late in production, Melanie Nicholls-King joined the cast to portray Amy, underscoring the indispensable role women played in shaping political transformation.
The Women Behind the Camera
The story of HERO is also the story of the women who made the film possible. Solomon’s mother, Anne-Marie Stewart, was a driving force throughout the decade-long journey, securing a grant from Republic Bank TT and sustaining belief in the project during its toughest moments.
Executive Producer Lisa Wickham’s expertise and vision carried the film from production to international distribution, ensuring that Ulric Cross’s story reached audiences worldwide.
“These women didn’t just support the movie,” Solomon reflects. “They proved that remarkable women are at the heart of every great story.”
About Frances-Anne Solomon
Frances-Anne Solomon is an award-winning director, writer, producer, and distributor. Born in England and raised in Trinidad, her transatlantic upbringing shapes her storytelling, which spans film, television, and radio. She is the founder of CaribbeanTales Media Group and a Director member of AMPAS and BAFTA.
📌 HERO: Inspired by the Extraordinary Life & Times of Mr. Ulric Cross stands not only as a tribute to a national hero but as a testament to the women—onscreen and off—who made the story possible.
“Hero” will be a Special Presentation at CARIFESTA XV, in Barbados. BOOK HERE:
Screening Date: Tuesday,
August 26th
Screening Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Venue: Barbados Museum and Historical Society.
👉 If you want to read the full piece by Frances-Anne Solomon, visit: https://caribbeantales.org/hero
