A Community Sparks to Life

“This is just the beginning! We are going to impact as many people as we possibly can!”

Derek Edamura, Cascadia Media Labs

This weekend, Cascadia Media Lab officially opened its doors, and more than 25 filmmakers, artists, neighbors, and supporters showed up to help us celebrate this incredible milestone.

From the moment people started arriving, the space filled with the kind of energy you can’t manufacture curiosity, excitement, and a genuine hunger to build a creative community in the Pacific Northwest. Folks wandered through our production areas, chatted with fellow filmmakers, asked meaningful questions about our 2027 programs, and shared their own hopes for what a regional media arts hub could become.

What struck me most was how quickly the room transformed from an event into a social gathering. People connecting with each other, swapping project ideas, discovering shared interests, and imagining collaborations before they even finished their first slice of pizza. Cascadia Media Lab wasn’t just being introduced; it was being claimed by the community it’s meant to serve.

Throughout the afternoon we previewed what’s ahead in 2027:

• new filmmaking workshops designed for emerging creators,

• mentorship pathways that center access and equity,

• community screenings and artist talks,

• and a growing ecosystem of support for storytellers across the region.

The response was overwhelming in the best way. Community members expressed to us that they’ve been waiting for a space like this. A place that’s hands-on, welcoming, and rooted in the Northwest’s creative identity. Hearing all of that affirmed exactly why Cascadia Media Lab exists.

Launching a new business is never simple, but moments like this remind me that we’re building something that matters. Something people want. Something people are ready to help shape.

To everyone who came out: thank you. Your presence didn’t just fill the room, it set the tone for the year ahead. Cascadia Media Lab is officially alive, and we’re just getting started.

2027 is going to be a year of growth, experimentation, and community-building. And after this weekend, I’m more confident than ever that we’re building it together.