Film Overview

The psychological horror film Ancestral Beasts, directed by Métis filmmaker Tim Riedel, is set to premiere at the Frontières program of the Marché du Film during this year’s Cannes Festival. This highly anticipated debut promises to captivate audiences with its chilling narrative and innovative approach to horror.

Cast Details

The film features a notable cast, including:

• Morgan Holmstrom – known for roles in The Order and Day of the Dead
• Darla Contois – recently awarded the Canadian Screen Award for Best Actress in Little Bird
• Asivak Koostachin – recognized for his work in Portraits from a Fire

A key male role remains to be cast, with expectations that it will go to a prominent non-Indigenous actor over 55.

Thematic Exploration

Ancestral Beasts is designed to be a deeply personal account that weaves together themes of trauma, healing, and ancestral reckoning. Set against the haunting backdrop of rural Canada, the film contemplates a provocative idea: what if a severe mental health condition manifested as a lurking creature? The narrative centers around a woman who, aiming to escape a detrimental relationship with her sister, seeks solace in her ancestral home. However, her journey becomes complicated when a sinister entity begins to emerge, forcing her to confront intergenerational trauma.

Production Status and Future Plans

Currently in its final development phases, Ancestral Beasts is on schedule to finalize financing by summer 2025, followed by a planned autumn shoot. Interest from multiple Canadian distributors has already been expressed, with international sales conversations anticipated to gain momentum during Cannes.

Creative Vision and Background

Tim Riedel, who previously worked in documentary filmmaking, draws extensively from his personal life for this film. In Riedel’s words, “Ancestral Beasts is an original story based on my own personal experience as the son of an Indigenous [Red River Métis] woman who was taken from her family as a child to be raised in abusive foster care during a dark time in Canadian history known as the 60s Scoop. Later in life, she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder as a result of the trauma she endured.”

Commitment to Authenticity

To achieve an authentic representation, Riedel developed the script in collaboration with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural advisors, and Indigenous psychologists. Riedel emphasizes that the purpose of his film goes beyond inducing fear. He aims to foster empathy and challenge the stigmatization of mental health issues, stating, “This story is a compassionate allegory and represents an important step in my own personal healing journey.”

A Unique Approach to Horror

Riedel’s personal history profoundly influences the film’s narrative structure. He recalls, “My lived experience comes from being an innocent child whose mother suffered from a severe mental health disorder due to intergenerational trauma.” He articulates how horror allows him to convey the complexities of his upbringing, explaining, “That doesn’t sound like a documentary to me. That sounds like a horror film.”

Through Ancestral Beasts, Riedel seeks to redefine horror storytelling, transforming it into a channel for cultural reflection, catharsis, and healing.

Presentation at Cannes

The Frontières Platform program, presented by Canada’s Fantasia Festival and the Cannes Marché du Film, will take place from May 17-18, highlighting Riedel’s innovative work within the context of Indigenous narratives in cinema.