Production is underway on Ancestral Beasts, the new psychological horror feature from writer-director Tim Riedel, now filming in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mongrel Media has officially boarded the project and will oversee theatrical and digital distribution in Canada. The film expands its cast with newly announced performers Gail Maurice (Aberdeen), Shannon Baker (Bones of Crows), Josh Strait (The Ice Road), and Jess Salgueiro (Frasier).
Ancestral Beasts centers on Elyse, a Red River Métis woman working to rebuild her mental health after leaving a destructive relationship with her sister. Seeking stability, she returns to her family home, only to encounter a growing, malevolent presence fueled by her emotional struggle. The film examines intergenerational trauma, personal recovery, and the idea of psychological distress manifesting as a physical entity.
The feature draws heavily from Riedel’s own experience as the son of an Indigenous woman who endured the foster care system and its long-term impact. To ensure cultural authenticity, Riedel developed the script with guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous psychologists, and cultural advisors. The project has already gained attention at major industry events, including the Berlin Film Festival, the Frontières Market at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the Banff Media World Festival’s Indigenous Screen Summit, and the Whistler Film Festival Indigenous Fellowship.
Riedel leads the production alongside Indigenous-led Michif Koonteur and Kistikan Pictures, with Fawnda Neckoway producing and Joey Forte serving as cinematographer. Composer Justin Delorme joins the creative team, with executive producers Tina Keeper, Phyllis Laing, and Edmon Rotea supporting the project. Additional cast includes Agnes Tong, Ray Strachan, Victoria Gwendoline, Jesse Nobess, Emmanuel Oderemi, and Sarah-Lynne Otsuji.
Cercamon’s genre label Vorteks will manage international sales outside Canada. The film is supported by a range of Canadian arts and media organizations, including Telefilm Canada, Indigenous Screen Office, Crave, APTN, CBC Films, and multiple arts councils. Filming is currently taking place in Winnipeg, Cook’s Creek, and Toronto.
