TIFF 2025 – WORLD PREMIERE
NIKA & MADISON
A film by Eva Thomas
Solo Directorial Debut
Press & Industry 1- September 6 – 9:25am – Scotiabank 14
WORLD PREMIERE – Sunday September 7 – 3:45pm – Scotiabank 11
Public Screening 2 – September 8 – 6:00pm – Scotiabank 5
Press & Industry 2 – September 10, 9:05am – Scotiabank 7
PRESS RELEASE
Nika & Madison bows at TIFF as part of its 2025 Discovery Programme, spotlighting the world premiere of this dramatic feature, the solo directorial debut from writer/director Eva Thomas.
Inspired by her acclaimed short film Redlights, Nika & Madison is a story of friendship, survival, and resilience, following two Indigenous women whose lives are upended after a violent encounter with police. Fearing they won’t be believed, the childhood friends go on the run, from the reserve to the city, only to face the systemic barriers stacked against them.
“As an Indigenous woman filmmaker, I wanted to go beyond the expected narrative of power and corruption, instead focusing on the profound trust that exists among Indigenous friends, that is both a superpower and a salvation,” says Director Thomas. “Nika & Madison explores themes of systemic misogyny, police violence, and justice through the lens of two young women navigating an unforgiving world. My goal with this film,” continues Thomas, “is to create a journey that centres Indigenous women in ways that feel honest and lived-in, leaving audiences connected to and rooting for these two fearless friends.”
Filmed on location across Ontario, the film stars Ellyn Jade (Little Bird, Vikings) as Nika, and Star Slade (Burden of Truth, Dream Scenario) as Madison. They are joined by Amanda Brugel (The Handmaid’s Tale, Sort Of) as Detective Timmins, alongside Shawn Doyle (The Expanse, Cardinal) as Detective Warhurst, Jennifer Podemski (Little Bird, Reservation Dogs) as Alicia Hall, Gail Maurice (Aberdeen, Rosie, Night Raiders, Bones of Crows) as Chief Sampson, and Billy Merasty (Aberdeen, Murdoch Mysteries, Acting Good).
Produced by Eva Thomas, Nika & Madison was made with the participation of Telefilm Canada, the Indigenous Screen Office, and Ontario Creates, in association with CBC Films and APTN. Executive producers are Jennifer Podemski, Paula Devonshire, Kaniehtiio Horn, Ellyn Jade, Star Slade, Tyler Levine, Katelyn Cursio.
Canadian distribution is handled by Game Theory Films, with Canoe Film overseeing international sales.