UPDATE: Production is officially underway on the highly anticipated psychological horror film ‘Ancestral Beasts’ in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The film, directed by Tim Riedel, features an all-Indigenous cast and began as a proof of concept at this year’s Frontières programme at the Cannes market.
Mongrel Media has boarded the project to manage Canadian distribution, enhancing the film’s visibility as it progresses. Joining the previously announced cast members Morgan Holmstrom, Darla Contois, and Asivak Koostachin are new additions including Gail Maurice, Shannon Baker, Josh Strait, and Jess Salgueiro. Production is set to unfold in Winnipeg, Cook’s Creek, and Toronto, with an urgent timeline to bring this gripping story to audiences.
The film follows Elyse, a Red River Métis woman grappling with mental health challenges after escaping a toxic relationship with her sister. Following a breakdown at work, Elyse returns to her ancestral home, where she confronts a sinister presence that embodies her intergenerational trauma and tests her strength to protect her loved ones.
Riedel’s film is deeply personal, drawing from his experiences as the child of an Indigenous woman who faced severe trauma. He developed the screenplay with guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural advisors, and Indigenous psychologists to ensure authenticity and sensitivity in storytelling. The project has also received support from the Indigenous Screen Summit at the Banff Media World Festival 2025 and participated in the Whistler Film Festival’s Indigenous Fellowship.
Production is backed by Indigenous-led company Michif Koonteur in collaboration with Kistikan Pictures. Riedel serves as producer alongside Fawnda Neckoway, with Tina Keeper, Phyllis Laing, and Edmon Rotea as executive producers.
Mongrel Media will oversee theatrical and digital distribution in Canada, while Cercamon’s genre label Vorteks manages international sales. The project is made possible with support from various organizations, including Telefilm Canada, the Indigenous Screen Office, Crave, APTN, CBC Films, and multiple arts councils.
As production ramps up, audiences can expect a powerful narrative that not only entertains but also sheds light on serious mental health issues within Indigenous communities. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking film as it progresses.
