FESTIVAL PREMIERE

LIVE ACTION | Canada | 14 MINUTES | English

Redlights

Director: Eva Thomas

An evening out takes a dramatic turn for two Indigenous women, Tina and Amber, when Amber is suddenly taken into police custody. Fearing the worst, Tina tails the cruiser outside city limits and makes a courageous choice to free her friend.

CAST & CREDITS

Director

Eva Thomas

Producer

Eva Thomas, Alan Bacchus, Katelyn Cursio, Tyler Levine

Screenwriter

Eva Thomas

Key Cast

Kaniehtiio Horn, Ellyn Jade, Jennifer Podemski

Directors Bio

Eva Thomas is an accomplished writer, director, and producer.  Her directorial short film debut REDLIGHTS premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). She co-directed and co-wrote her first Telefilm feature film ABERDEEN which will premiere at TIFF in 2024. She is currently working on her first solo Telefilm feature NIKA & MADISON.  She recently directed episodes for CBC’s STILL STANDING and won a Canadian Screen Award (CSA) in 2024 for Best Direction, Factual for the New Richmond, Quebec episode. Eva just wrapped on ACTING GOOD s3 (Bell Media/Crave) as a writer and director.  As a writer, she was in the writing room of DON’T EVEN (Bell Media/Crave), SHELVED (CTV) and ZARQA s2 (CBC Gem). Eva was previously an Associate Producer on Danis Goulet’s NIGHT RAIDERS.

Directors Statement

‘Redlights’ is a powerful and thought-provoking short film that delves into the experiences of two Indigenous women confronted by the police. At its core, the film seeks to evoke the primal emotion of fear—the fear of law enforcement, the fear for a friend’s safety, and the fear for one’s own life. Fear becomes the driving force behind the narrative, pushing Tina further from her comfort zone and into a haunting sense of isolation.

Set entirely at night, ‘Redlights’ employs a mood and tone reminiscent of a thriller or even a horror film. This choice serves to heighten the tension and mystery, enveloping viewers in an atmospheric journey. However, it’s important to note that the situation depicted in the film is firmly rooted in the harsh reality of Canadian history—a tragic aspect that cannot be ignored.

Through ‘Redlights’, I aim to shed light on the profound impact of fear and the complex dynamics between law enforcement and marginalized communities. By presenting an intimate and intense portrayal of these two Indigenous women, the film prompts audiences to reflect on the real-world implications and ongoing challenges faced by many.

Ultimately, ‘Redlights’ is a testament to the power of storytelling and the need to address difficult truths. It is my hope that this film sparks meaningful conversations and fosters a deeper understanding of the systemic issues at play, paving the way for change and empathy.

Showtimes

November 8th – December 31st

AMC The Grove 14

189 The Grove Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Parking

At The Theatre

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Red Nation International Film Festival (RNIFF) is the largest Native & Indigenous Film Festival in the U.S. and worldwide!

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