Indie Family Wins Big at Fantasia Fest 2025 with "Mother of Flies"

In 2025, the 29th edition of the Fantasia Fest in Montreal celebrated the best in independent and genre filmmaking. On Saturday night, the festival's juries gathered to announce the winners across eight competition categories.

The top honor, the Cheval Noir for Best Film, went to "Mother of Flies," a family affair created by filmmakers and punk band members John Adams, Zelda Adams, and Toby Poser, collectively known as the "Adams Family." The haunting drama, which was also recognized for its Best Score, was praised by jury president Pascal Plante for its authenticity and impeccable craftsmanship, despite its limited means.

The festival also honored other standout films and performances, including the Best Screenplay award for "Terrestrial," the Best Cinematography prize for "Cielo," and the Outstanding Performance awards for actors Bakhytzhan Alpeis and Ui Mihara. The Best First Feature award went to "It Ends" by director Alexander Ullom, with the jury commending its sincerity and bittersweet contemplation on time, friendship, and solitude.

Across the various competition categories, Fantasia Fest 2025 celebrated the diverse voices and innovative storytelling of both emerging and established filmmakers, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for genre and independent cinema.