CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival 10th Anniversary April 30 – May 4, 2026 in Bellingham

Start: Thursday, April 30, 2026 12:00AM
End: Sunday, May 17, 2026 11:59PM

Join us for the Anniversary Edition April 30 – May 4, 2026 in Bellingham, Washington CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival Unveils Full Lineup for 10th Anniversary Edition The Festival takes place April 30 – May 4, 2026 in Bellingham BELLINGHAM, WA — The CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is proud to announce the full lineup for its 10th Anniversary Festival, scheduled to take place April 30–May 3, 2026, in downtown Bellingham, Washington. Following the in-person festivities, an online version of the festival will be available from May 7–17. Since its inception in 2015, CASCADIA has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a nationally respected cultural event. This year’s milestone program features a curated selection of 22 short films and 8 feature films, further cementing Bellingham and the Northwest as an exciting destination for global cinema and inclusive storytelling. “Reaching our tenth year is a testament to the power of women’s voices and the hunger audiences have for diverse, authentic perspectives,” says Cheryl Crooks, CASCADIA Executive Director. “What started as a dream in Bellingham has grown into a global community. This year’s lineup isn’t just a celebration of how far we’ve come, but a look at where women in film are headed next.” Opening & Closing Night Selections The festival kicks off with the uplifting Opening Night film, Tenor: My Name is Pati. Director Rebecca Tansley will travel all the way from New Zealand to attend the screenings. The film follows a charismatic Samoan tenor’s journey from humble beginnings to the world’s most prestigious opera stages. It will screen Opening Night at Pickford’s Bay Theatre with an encore on Saturday, May 2, at the Pickford’s new Grand Theatre. Closing the festival is the documentary Tough Old Broads, directed by Stacey Tenenbaum, who will be present for a live Q&A. The film highlights three courageous women who broke barriers in their youth and continue to pursue their passions today, proving it is never too late to change the world. The screening will lead directly into the festival’s closing night party–stay tuned for more details. https://youtu.be/831jL7Nc1y0?si=iEs2H3AU1Y7mvdEr Feature Film Highlights - Hijra: Directed by Shayad Ameen, this is Saudi Arabia’s official Oscar entry. It explores the bond between generations of women during a journey to Mecca.. - A Life Illuminated: Directed by Tasha Van Zandt, this film follows marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder as she uncovers the mysteries of bioluminescence. It screens Saturday, May 1, followed by the 10th Anniversary Party at the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building. - Nino: A dramatic and elegant French feature directed by Pauline Loquès that features nuanced performance by Canadian actor Théodore Pellerin. - Dear Lara: A deeply personal documentary by director Lara St. John exposing institutional complicity and abuse within the world of classical music. Celebrating Local Achievements CASCADIA continues its mission to foster regional talent with Pacific Northwest ties. This year’s lineup includes The Second Life of Freddie Nole, produced by Chelsea Matter, who grew up in Bellingham and will return to her hometown for the screening. The festival is pleased to welcome returning filmmaker Jessica Plumb of Port Angeles for a showing of Shared Waters, Shared Crises. Plumb will also be in attendance. 2026 Honored Guest: Ondi Timoner CASCADIA previously announced award-winning director Ondi Timoner as the 2026 Honored Guest. Timoner is the only director in Sundance history to win the Grand Jury Prize twice. Select highlights of her body of work—including DIG! and Last Flight Home—will be included in the CASCADIA program. As described by festival Program Director Claudia Puig: "Some filmmakers document the world. Ondi Timoner changes how we see it." Timoner will present an exclusive one-hour program, “How to Make a Great Documentary,” offering rare insight into her creative process. The session will be followed by a screening and Q&A of her Oscar-shortlisted film, All the Walls Came Down. Early Bird tickets on sale thru Sunday, March 22nd. Individual tickets and regular passes go on sale Monday, March 23 at cascadiafilmfest.org. For press inquiries, interview requests, and to request tickets, please contact Ryan Davis at ryan@smarthousecreative.com Founded in 2015, CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is a nonprofit organization based in Bellingham, Washington. Dedicated to showcasing the work of women filmmakers worldwide, CASCADIA presents an annual festival each spring along with year-round cultural and educational programming. CASCADIA champions diverse perspectives, community engagement, and the power of film to inspire change. CASCADIA is an IRS-registered non profit 501(c)(3) organization.