# Nightborn film festival recognition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nightborn-film-festival-recognition
> Updated: 2026-08-23T07:15:02.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The thriller “Nightborn,” directed by Hanna Bergholm, received major recognition at the 30th Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal. The film was awarded the Cheval Noir trophy for Best Film, with the jury highlighting its suspenseful storytelling and emotional impact.

Following its festival success, further details emerged regarding the film’s accolades and narrative. Seidi Hämäläinen earned awards for her performance, specifically noted as Best Actress. The film, a Nordic child thriller, follows a couple in the Finnish countryside and explores themes of motherhood and psychological terror rooted in Finnish folklore. Lead actors Seidi Hämäläinen and Rupert Grint have discussed the film’s exploration of parental expectations and its unique atmosphere.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Nightborn wins top honors at Fantasia International Film Festival

The Nordic thriller ‘Nightborn,’ directed by Hannah Bergholm, won top honors at the Fantasia International Film Festival, exploring the psychological terrors of motherhood and family.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nightborn-wins-top-honors-at-fantasia-international-film-festival

### 2026-07-26: Fantasia International Film Festival crowns “Nightborn” best film

Nightborn wins Best Film at Fantasia Festival in Montreal; Kasper Kalle named Best Director, with acting honors for Seidi Haarla and Pilou Asbæk.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fantasia-international-film-festival-crowns-nightborn-best-film

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Cite as: Nightborn film festival recognition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nightborn-film-festival-recognition