Nika and Madison
| Nika and Madison | |
|---|---|
Film poster | |
| Directed by | Eva Thomas |
| Written by | Eva Thomas Michael McGowan |
| Produced by | Eva Thomas |
| Starring | Ellyn Jade Star Slade Shawn Doyle |
| Cinematography | Jesse Wicklund |
| Edited by | Jane MacRae |
| Music by | Nigel Irwin |
Production company | Carousel Pictures |
| Distributed by | Game Theory Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
Nika and Madison is a Canadian crime thriller film, directed by Eva Thomas and released in 2025.[1] The film stars Ellyn Jade and Star Slade as the titular Nika and Madison, two indigenous women who are forced on the run after a police officer's attempt to sexually assault Madison leaves the officer hospitalized in a coma.
The cast also includes Shawn Doyle, David Reale, Amanda Brugel, Gail Maurice, Jennifer Podemski and Billy Merasty in supporting roles.
Production
The film is Thomas's solo directorial debut following the 2024 film Aberdeen, which she co-directed with Ryan Cooper.[2] It is a feature-length expansion of her 2023 short film Redlights.[3]
It was shot in fall 2024, in and around Toronto.[2]
Distribution
The film has been acquired for distribution by Game Theory Films.[4]
The film premiered in the Discovery program at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.[5] It is also slated to screen in the Borsos Competition program at the 2025 Whistler Film Festival.[6]
Awards
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directors Guild of Canada | 2025 | Best Direction in a Feature Film | Eva Thomas | Nominated | [7] |
| Jean-Marc Vallée DGC Discovery Award | Longlisted | [8] |
References
- ^ Etan Vlessing, "Toronto: Two Indigenous Women Flee Predatory Cop, Tense Manhunt in ‘Nika & Madison’ Trailer". The Hollywood Reporter, July 23, 2025.
- ^ a b Jamie Casemore, "Eva Thomas directs first solo feature with Nika & Madison". Playback, November 12, 2024.
- ^ "'Starlight Tours' fear felt by Indigenous people in Canada explored in TIFF short film". CBC News Windsor, September 11, 2023.
- ^ Jamie Casemore, "Game Theory Films acquires Eva Thomas’ Nika & Madison". Playback, December 11, 2024.
- ^ John Hazelton, "Toronto film festival unveils Discovery selection with 23 world premieres". Screen Daily, July 23, 2025.
- ^ Andrew Tracy, "Youngblood, Akashi among Whistler’s Borsos Award nominees". Playback, October 28, 2025.
- ^ Connie Thiessen, "DGC unveils film, doc nominees; Discovery Award short list". Broadcast Dialogue, September 22, 2025.
- ^ Connie Thiessen, "DGC unveils 2025 Jean-Marc Vallée DGC Discovery Award long list". Broadcast Dialogue, September 18, 2025.