Director of ‘Nika & Madison’ Discusses Indigenous Strength, Law Enforcement Violence, and Setback in U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Canadas long-term support for First Nations filmmakers is bearing fruit at this years Whistler Film Festival. Eva Thomas, the director of Nika & Madison, is showcasing her first solo feature, which follows two young Indigenous women portrayed by Ellyn Jade and Star Slade forced to flee after a violent incident with a predatory officer. Their escape evolves into a feminist crime thriller highlighting Indigenous sisterhood, expanding upon Thomas earlier short film Redlights.

Speaking at Whistler, Thomas explained that her feature aims to go beyond conventional depictions of police authority and corruption. Instead, it centers on the resilience and empowerment that develops between Indigenous women on the run. She reflected on the international premiere at the Hawaii Film Festival following a Toronto debut, noting, I was concerned whether audiences would grasp the political and historical context, and the reality of Canadas social climate. But they connected deeply, understanding the bond between the girls and the dynamics of political brutality, which is also a reality in the United States.

The film focuses on the emotional journey of two young women navigating misunderstanding and the desire to escape to a city where they can discover themselves and strengthen their friendship. Thomas emphasizes that Nika & Madison captures what is in the hearts of these women as they reconcile after tension arising from the encounter with the officer.

Thomas also contrasts Canadas film funding environment with the United States. In Canada, government agencies and industry programs continue to foster diverse voices, while U.S. studios and streaming platforms have scaled back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, partly due to political backlash. Canada celebrates the voices that make us Canadian, Thomas, a dual Canadian-American citizen, said. In the U.S., theres more focus on defining who is American.

Despite the U.S. market emphasizing profitability over diversity, Thomas points to successful examples like Black Panther, Crazy Rich Asians, and Reservation Dogs as proof that inclusive storytelling can succeed commercially. She credits Canadas publicly supported film industry with providing space for underrepresented creators, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, to grow and refine their craft.

Reflecting on her own journey, Thomas notes her evolution from the filmmaker who created Redlights to the one behind Nika & Madison, citing the 2024 co-directed film Aberdeen as part of her development. Initially trained as an actor at Arizona State University, Londons Webber Douglas Academy, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, Thomas found the roles offered to her in Los Angeles limiting. I realized nothing would change unless I wrote new stories, so I learned to do that, she said.

After years of screenwriting and story editing, Thomas focused on telling Indigenous stories, blending her passion for filmmaking with a commitment to social responsibility within her community. Nika & Madison reflects her goal of creating meaningful, authentic narratives that resonate both culturally and emotionally.

The Whistler Film Festival continues through Sunday, celebrating films that amplify underrepresented voices and innovative storytelling.

Author: Logan Reeves