Straw Man – 2026
Proof of Concept – Psychological Drama
Synopsis
Straw Man is an adaptation based on events detailed in the memoir of the same name, written by Jacob Roth. The memoir explores the author’s life from childhood to adulthood. Yet, the short film focuses on his first year at university. This period highlights his mental health and eating disorder struggles.
Key Creatives
Story – Jacob Roth
Screenplay – Kearsten Johansson
Director – Kearsten Johansson
Producer – Chad Tailor and Kearsten Johansson
Cinematography & Coloring – Artem Mykhailetski
Production Design – Steven Bennett
Visual Effects – Will Dano
Editor – Youssef Mutawe
Sound Design – Serenity Sound & Big Step Audio
Score – Brett Morreau
Key Cast
Joseph Dancey
Matty McDonald
Kearsten Johansson
Timothy Murray
Katrina Phang-Lyn
Festivals & awards
Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival – Winner Best VFX
Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival – Nominee Best Producer, Cinematography, VFX & Female Filmmaker
Canadian Independent Film Festival – Official Selection
press
Aim to Raise Eating Disorder Awareness with New Film, ‘Straw Man’
Jacob Roth Discusses Harrowing Experience with Anorexia
Kearsten Johansson & Chad Tailor’s New Film ‘Straw Man’ Challenges Eating Disorder Gender Biases
Meet the Author: Straw Man Becoming a Film
Straw Man Film: About the Project
