Nika and Madison is a Canadian crime thriller film, directed by Eva Thomas and released in 2025.Etan Vlessing, "Toronto: Two Indigenous Women Flee Predatory Cop, Tense Manhunt in ‘Nika & Madison’ Trailer". The Hollywood Reporter, July 23, 2025. 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.Jamie Casemore, "Eva Thomas directs first solo feature with Nika & Madison". Playback, November 12, 2024. It is a feature-length expansion of her 2023 short film Redlights."'Starlight Tours' fear felt by Indigenous people in Canada explored in TIFF short film". CBC News Windsor, September 11, 2023.
It was shot in fall 2024, in and around Toronto.
Distribution The film has been acquired for distribution by Game Theory Films.Jamie Casemore, "Game Theory Films acquires Eva Thomas’ Nika & Madison". Playback, December 11, 2024.
The film premiered in the Discovery program at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.John Hazelton, "Toronto film festival unveils Discovery selection with 23 world premieres". Screen Daily, July 23, 2025. It was also screened in the Borsos Competition program at the 2025 Whistler Film Festival.Andrew Tracy, "Youngblood, Akashi among Whistler’s Borsos Award nominees". Playback, October 28, 2025.
Awards Award Date of ceremony Category Nominee(s) Result Directors Guild of Canada 2025 Best Direction in a Feature Film Eva Thomas Connie Thiessen, "DGC unveils film, doc nominees; Discovery Award short list". Broadcast Dialogue, September 22, 2025. Jean-Marc Vallée DGC Discovery Award Connie Thiessen, "DGC unveils 2025 Jean-Marc Vallée DGC Discovery Award long list". Broadcast Dialogue, September 18, 2025.
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