Cameron A. Straughan, LISFF 2026, Feature Screenplay Official Selection

- Can you please tell us about you and your daily life?

A former fisher biologist and technical writer, I am currently a STEM teacher at a remote First Nations school in northern Ontario, Canada. In addition to STEM, I run an enrichment program to challenge students and develop 21 century skills via project base learning. I also run LEGO therapy sessions for children with ASD - including nonverbal students. I myself am autistic; managing my autism is another full time job. At the end of the day, I look forward to coming home to my two recently adopted cats - Bowie and Ziggy. My unique experiences, skills, and views on life colour my writing.

- When and how did you get into writing?

I got into writing in 1989, when I discovered H.P. Lovecraft. My early attempts paid homage to his work, but based upon my dream diaries, and my innate sense of the absurd, I gradually developed a more surreal style blending satire, absurdity, sci-fi, and horror. My book “The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen” has won twelve awards for its humorous take on the mundanities of everyday life. I am also working on my first children’s book - about how to stop nightmares - and a graphic novel entitled “Bear Mask” that is based upon a play I wrote about autism that was supposed to be produced in London, UK but got sidelined due to COVID.

- How often do you write? Do you have a writing routine? And what inspires you to write?

I write every day. I have always been very industrious and writing is my primary means of communication. I feel more conformable writing than conversing with people in person. I may write proposals at work, entries for my blog “Trapped on a Rock, Floating in Space”, or edit my current scripts “Schisma” and “Marfa” - as well as working on my third horror script “The Ark”. I am inspired by my dreams and everyday observations; I tend to notice details and patterns that others do not. I am also inspired by many “isms” - surrealism, absurdism, Buddhism and autism.

-How does it feel to have your work recognised?

It feels amazing. My writing is the main way I reach out to other people so the recognition boosts my confidence. It reassures me that I am on the right path and gives me a sense of connection - I am not alone.

- What's the best and most challenging thing about writing? 

The best thing is the ideas. Ideas are king. When the ideas flow, I am at my best. The challenging thing is reigning in all my ideas so they are commercially palatable.

- How did you develop the idea for your LISFF/LISP-selected work? Is there a story behind your story? And, how long have you been working on it?

I used to do a video blog with my transgender brother; we called it “Siblings on the Spectrum”. Via Zoom, we would review films that held special interest for us. We reviewed “Mulholland Drive”. As is our habit, after reviews we would discuss shared traumas and other issues we faced throughout our lives. The combination of the film review and our discussion lead me to develop a story about duality. I had the kernel of an idea about observation splitting a person into two and seeking revenge. I developed the character of Casey Adler, a gender non-conforming astronaut, and the script poured out of me. I started in April of last year and I am still putting some finishing touches on it.

- Can you please give us a few tips about filmmaking/ scriptriting/writing?

I recommended practicing automatic writing. Just let the writing flow. Edit it later. Using these techniques, I never have writer’s block; I have writer’s flood - too many ideas at once.

- What's the best thing and the most challenging thing about competitions/festivals? 

The best thing is the connection I make with like-minded individuals. If I receive praise, it encourages me to keep going and legitimizes spending so much time on my writing. The most challenging thing is finding an audience that is open to what I offer. Competitions push me to improve faster than I normally would - I discover what I’m actually capable of.  I do find it challenging dealing with pressure and expectations (my own or others’) without letting it affect my performance and self-confidence (which is often low).

- Lastly, do you recommend the writers/filmmakers submit to LISP/LISFF?

I would definitely recommend that writers submit to the London International Screenplay Awards. I was drawn to it because my script has a European sensibility, but more importantly, I believe it’s valuable for writers to share their work internationally and reach audiences beyond their own country