CASCADIA Presents New Film From Canadian First Nations Director Eva Thomas
November 16th screening of “Nika And Madison” coincides with Native American Heritage Month
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is proud to announce the screening of “Nika And Madison” at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 16 at Firehouse Performing Arts Center in Bellingham. The film is the first solo feature from emerging Indigenous director Eva Thomas, a member of the Walpole Island First Nation in southwestern Ontario, Canada.
“Nika And Madison” centers on two young Indigenous women, Nika and Madison, as they re-evaluate their life and estranged friendship following a fateful encounter with police. Touching on topics such as systemic racism and police brutality it introduces audiences to a story that balances female friendship and agency.
CASCADIA Executive Director Cheryl Crooks said since the festival’s first event in 2017, CASCADIA has been committed to presenting films directed by Indigenous women filmmakers. A few years ago, the festival began presenting special screenings of films in November for Native American Heritage month.
“We’re pleased to present this new film by director Eva Thomas, which recently premiered at Toronto International Film Festival and is just now being seen in the U.S.,” Crooks said. “We’re excited and honored to bring this excellent film to CASCADIA.”
“Nika And Madison” will play at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 16 the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham.
Tickets are $12 / $10 students and available through the Eventive link here: https://ciwffnikamadison.eventive.org/welcome
About CASCADIA
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, CASCADIA showcases and celebrates exceptional films directed by women. It is one of only a handful of festivals in the U.S. and the only one in the Pacific Northwest currently dedicated to this purpose. The organization also works year-round to provide film production, exhibition, and distribution education.
Since its first festival in 2017, CASCADIA has presented films by more than 300 women directors from around the world. More than one-third of the films shown at the 2025 were directed by women of color. Films by students, emerging directors and Indigenous women are included.
Our 2026 festival is scheduled April 30 through May 3 in-person at The Pickford Film Center, 1318 Bay St., Bellingham. Our online festival is May 7-17. More information is on our website at www.cascadiafilmfest.org .
