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Dubbed a "Manitoba Maverick" and one of "5 Filmmakers to Watch" by Playback Magazine in 2019, Madison Thomas is an artist and storyteller whose unique voice continues to break the mold and status quo. From shooting no-budget experimental films to writing and directing on some of Canada's largest television series; Thomas' long resume, artistic accolades and work across genres show why she is considered one of the most compelling and versatile filmmakers working today.
Thomas was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba's North-end neighbourhood. She credits the diverse neighbourhood she grew up in, the local arts scene and her mixed-race family and upbringing for much of her unique perspective, as well as her artistic and community values. Thomas is an Ojibwe/Saulteux woman and an off-reserve member of Pine Creek First Nation through her mother's family and is a Ukrainian/Russian settler on her father's side. Her personal production company and brand is called "High Five Freddie Inc", the collective of artists led by Thomas will start releasing self-produced projects and collabs in 2025.
Thomas was introduced to film as an art form through Sisler High school's now award-winning film program, becoming the program's first alumni when she graduated in 2009. She went on to study filmmaking at the University of Winnipeg (2012) and Prague Film School (2011). While she developed her own voice as a filmmaker creating indie short films, docs and web-series, Thomas also trained under some of the industries top creatives in the 2016 Woman in the Director's Chair Program, the 2019 Canadian Academy Program for Female Directors. She became a member of the Director's Guild of Canada in 2020.
Select film credits for Thomas include: "Zassaakwe - 'Shout with Joy' " (2018), "Colour of Scar Tissue (APTN, 2018), Shoot Your Shot (2023, Starbound (2023, Canadian National Film Day) Imaginative Film Festival) "Ruthless Souls" (2019, Telefilm Talent to Watch, Berlin Film Festival Canadian Perspectives), "Taken" (2017 Seasons 1-4, APTN & CBC) and "Finality of Dusk" (2023, Whistler Film Festival)
Select TV credits for Thomas include: "Burden of Truth (2018-2021, CBC/CW), "Pretty Hard Cases (CBC/Amazon 2021-2023), Heartland (2007-present, CBC) and Allegiance (2024-present)
Thomas is also a visual artist in her free time as well as a dedicated youth mentor, often utilizing film and storytelling as a teaching tool. Thomas teaches for several alternative and after school arts programs in Winnipeg and has taught workshops to youth across Canada and as far as New Zealand. She is committed to reducing barriers and increasing accessibility in the arts.
