CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival 2025 announces lineup

CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival 2025:
Celebrating the Transformative Power of Women’s Filmmaking
 

From April 24th – 27th, 2025, CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival invites audiences to experience the powerful stories of women told through cinema. This annual celebration, held in beautiful Bellingham, WA, unites international filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles in a shared mission to build community locally and globally while honoring the impact of women in film. For those who can't join in person, an online festival version will run May 1-11, 2025.
 

Opening Night Celebration

The festival kicks off at the Pickford Film Center on Thursday, April 24th at 6:30 p.m. with the screening of Magic Hour, directed by Jackie Christy, who will be attending. The evening will continue with the Opening Night Red Carpet After Party at 9 p.m. at Penny Farthing Bar and Restaurant (1309 Cornwall St.) at Chuckanut Bay Distillery
 

Festival Spotlight Films

  • Folk Tales (Norway): Directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Jesus Camp), this moving documentary explores a unique program set in the Artic for teens overcoming emotional challenges.

  • All God’s Children (United States): Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ondi Timoner, this timely documentary chronicles the collaboration between a Rabbi and a Reverend in Brooklyn as they seek to heal racial and religious divides. Timoner, who lost her home in the Eaton fires, brings a deeply personal perspective to this important work.

  • Butterflies (Finland): Directed by Jenni Toivoniemi, this dramedy blends Tango festivals, family dynamics, and political chaos in a wry exploration of self-discovery.

  • Village Keeper (Canada): Directed by Karen Chapman, this understated drama delves into themes of class, generational trauma, and enduring maternal love.

  • Ohjus (The Missile) (Finland): Directed by iMia Tervo, this gripping Finnish film based on a true story adds intrigue to the lineup.
     

Honored Guest Yvonne Russo

CASCADIA is proud to welcome award-winning producer-director Yvonne Russo as this year’s Honored Guest. Join us for "An Evening with Yvonne Russo" on Saturday, April 26th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Mount Baker Theatre’s Walton Theatre, presented by Cascade Daily News. The evening will feature a screening of Russo’s film VIVA, VERDI!, followed by an interview and audience Q&A.
 

Visiting Artists and Directors

Short film directors from works like Dandelion, Broken Flight, Play Date, Rupture, The Vote, and Death Pays Flora a Visit will be present, with directors Tanna Frederick and actress Mimi Kennedy of Death Pays Flora a Visit available for interviews.
 

Special Events

  • Script Studio Workshop: On Sunday, April 27th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., aspiring screenwriters can join CASCADIA’s Script Studio Workshop at the New Prospect Theatre (207 Prospect St., Bellingham). This free event offers this year’s four chosen scriptwriters the chance to hear their scripts read aloud by actors, gain professional insights, and connect with industry professionals.

  • Art exhibit showcasing 55 artists: The works go on display Friday, April 4 at the Dakota Gallery in downtown Bellingham in conjunction with CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival. CASCADIA introduced the exhibition of work by women artists from throughout the region in 2024 as an extension of the festival’s celebration of artistic work created by women. This year’s exhibit will open Friday, April 4 at 6 p.m. at the Dakota Gallery, 1322 Cornwall, during downtown Bellingham’s April Artwalk. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The art will remain on display through May 24.

  • Poetry Project: New this year, CASCADIA invites poets attending the festival or viewing films online to reflect on their experiences through poetry. These works will be published later this year by Ravenna Press, a highly respected press based in LaConner. This inspiring initiative was spearheaded by CASCADIA board member Sati Mookherjee, a nationally recognized poet.
     

Bellingham as a Destination

CASCADIA is proud to partner with local hotels, offering special discounted rates for attendees. Participating hotels include Home 2 Suites by Hilton, SpringHill Suites Bellingham, Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham, and Hotel Bellwether. Please contact individual hotels for details. Stay the weekend and enjoy all that Bellingham has to offer!

Ryan Davis