Montreal, Canada — The 29th edition of Fantasia Fest has showcased a host of talent and creativity as it approaches its conclusion. On Saturday night, filmmakers and jury members gathered at the Cinéma du Musée to celebrate the festival’s impressive roster, distributing awards across seven of the eight competitive categories. The regional award for Les Fantastiques Week-Ends Du Cinéma Québécois was revealed in advance of the ceremony.
Among the standout films, “Mother of Flies” claimed the prestigious Cheval Noir for Best Film, marking a significant milestone as the first U.S. production to win this accolade. The film, which also secured the Best Score Award, is a deeply personal project crafted by the Adams Family, consisting of John Adams, Zelda Adams, and Toby Poser.
Jury president Pascal Plante, who won the Cheval Noir last year for “Red Rooms,” hosted the awards ceremony. He humorously noted the impressive marketing aspect of the family’s collaborative effort. Zelda Adams expressed sheer disbelief and gratitude during her acceptance speech, stating, “Every time we finish a film, we think to ourselves, ‘Is it good enough to get into Fantasia?’ And luckily, this one was!”
“Mother of Flies” was filmed in the familial Catskills home and explores themes surrounding life, death, and the realities of cancer. Toby Poser emphasized the personal depth of their work, highlighting its significance in connecting with audiences. “Learning that it speaks to others means so much to us,” she remarked.
The festival also honored emerging filmmakers, with director Chris Nash, known for “In a Violent Nature,” presiding over the New Flesh Competition for Best First Feature. The award went to “It Ends,” directed by Alexander Ullom. Nash praised the film’s authentic reflection on the struggles of young adulthood and its lasting resonance.
A complete list of winners was made available following the ceremony, showcasing the broad array of talent featured at Fantasia 2025. Best Film honors were rightly awarded to “Mother of Flies,” while Hadrah Daeng Ratu took home Best Director for “The Book of Sijjin and Illiyyin.” Other accolades included Best Screenplay for Connor Diedrich and Samuel Johnson for “Terrestrial,” and Best Cinematography for Alex Metcalfe for “Cielo.”
The festival’s recognition of diverse narratives is evident in the Special Jury Mention for Concept awarded to “New Group” by Yuta Shimotsu, and the Outstanding Performance Awards given to Bakhytzhan Alpeis for “Stinker” and Ui Mihara for “I Fell in Love with a Z-Grade Director in Brooklyn.”
As Fantasia Fest wraps up, it continues to celebrate groundbreaking works that push the boundaries of independent cinema. The festival not only highlights the best in film but also fosters an environment for filmmakers to engage and connect, underscoring the importance of storytelling in all its forms.
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