What to expect: Cascadia International Women's Film Festival

Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival is returning to Bellingham for a weekend of celebrating female filmmakers. The festival will bring a variety of events, from the U.S. premiere of “WaaPaKe,” a film about the lasting impact of Canada’s residential schools, to an evening discussion with “Twilight” director Catherine Hardwicke.

The festival takes place at venues across Bellingham April 25-28, and then most of the films will stream online for purchase May 2-11. Film directors from around the world will be featured.

“We have more features this year than we’ve ever had and we have more premiere showings,” said Cheryl Crooks, festival director and co-founder. “There are so many things happening this year. We think it’s going to be one of the best festivals we’ve had yet.”

The festival will open Thursday night with the premiere of director Jules Koostachin’s “WaaPaKe” at Pickford Film Center, followed by a moderated discussion with Koostachin. “WaaPaKe” explores the intergenerational trauma inflicted on Indigenous people by Canadian residential schools, told through the story of Koostachin’s family and others.

The weekend will be filled with a red carpet opening party, movie screenings, panel discussions, and opportunities to talk with the directors. Hardwicke will give a Friday evening presentation at Mount Baker Theatre, with a meet-and-greet reception following. Hardwicke’s “Miss You Already” and “Twilight” will be screened at the Pickford, while other films in the festival include “Preconceived,” a documentary about anti-abortion clinics, and “The Cowboy and the Queen,” about a California horse trainer who befriended Queen Elizabeth II.

There will also be a script studio, free and open to the public, on Sunday morning. Among script studio panelists is Mary Lou Belli, a two-time Emmy-winning director and author.

The first Shirley Jo Finney Award will be presented at the festival in memory of the late Cascadia board member and theater director.

Also new this year is an art exhibit highlighting women’s experiences on display at Dakota Gallery. The exhibit, titled “Women Rising: Expanding Visions and Diverse Perspectives” will run until May 25.

For more information, visit cascadiafilmfest.org.