Ancestral Beasts
| Ancestral Beasts | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Tim Riedel |
| Written by | Tim Riedel |
| Produced by | Tim Riedel Fawnda Neckoway |
| Starring | Morgan Holmstrom Darla Contois Gail Maurice Asivak Koostachin |
| Cinematography | Joey Forte |
| Music by | Justin Delorme |
Production companies | Michif Koonteur Buffalo Gal Pictures Kistikan Pictures |
| Distributed by | Mongrel Media |
Release date |
|
Running time | 104 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
Ancestral Beasts is a Canadian horror film, written and directed by Tim Riedel and slated for release in 2026.[1] Riedel's full-length directorial debut, the film stars Morgan Holmstrom as Elyse, a Métis woman who returns to her family home after struggling with her mental health, but is forced to battle a supernatural demon to protect her family.[2]
The cast also includes Darla Contois, Asivak Koostachin, Gail Maurice, Jess Salgueiro, Josh Strait, Agnes Tong, Shannon Baker, Victoria Gwendoline, Ray Strachan, Emmanuel Oderemi, Jesse Nobess and Sarah-Lynne Otsuji.
Production
[edit]The film was inspired in part by Riedel's own upbringing as the son of a mother who was a survivor of the Sixties Scoop, and who was later diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.[3]
Riedel toured a five-minute short film version to various film markets and festivals in 2025 as proof of concept,[4] prior to shooting the full-length version in the fall.[3] The film was produced by Michif Koonteur, Buffalo Gal and Kistikan Pictures, with Tina Keeper, Phyllis Laing and Edmon Rotea as executive producers.[5]
Distribution
[edit]The film is slated to premiere at the 30th Fantasia International Film Festival in July 2026.[1] It has been acquired for commercial distribution by Mongrel Media.[5]
References
[edit]- 1 2 Jamie Casemore, "Fantasia Film Festival reveals first wave of 2026 titles". Playback, May 6, 2026.
- ↑ Jamie Lang, "‘Little Bird’ Star Darla Contois and ‘The Order’s’ Morgan Holmstrom Join Indigenous Canadian Horror Feature ‘Ancestral Beasts’". Variety, April 9, 2025.
- 1 2 Daniel Halmarson, "‘Good storytelling is good medicine’: Metis filmmaker bringing lived experience to the silver screen". CTV News Winnipeg, December 29, 2025.
- ↑ Noel Ransome, "10 to Watch 2025: Tim Riedel". Playback, September 16, 2025.
- 1 2 Jeremy Kay, "Mongrel Media boards ‘Ancestral Beasts’ as production begins in Canada". Screen Daily, December 2, 2025.
External links
[edit]
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