Headcase

Headcase
Directed bySpencer Zimmerman
Written byPat Moonie
Spencer Zimmerman
Produced bySiobhan Connors
Jessica To
Spencer Zimmerman
StarringSiobhan Connors
Pat Moonie
Gigi Saul Guerrero
CinematographyGareth Jones
Edited byAnthony Luneberg
Music byEthan Lawrence
Production
companies
Pedestrian Picture Co.
Toaster Productions
Key Conspirators
Crazy8s Film Society
Release date
  • July 26, 2025 (2025-07-26) (Fantasia)
Running time
16 minutes
CountryCanada
LanguageEnglish

Headcase is a Canadian short satirical comedy horror film, directed by Spencer Zimmerman and released in 2025. The film stars Siobhan Connors as Karen, an online influencer who kills Brad (Pat Moonie) with her car while filming content, and decides to take advantage of his severed head in a bid to go viral and secure her fame.

The film premiered at the 29th Fantasia International Film Festival on July 26, 2025, as the opener to Kurtis David Harder's feature film Influencers. It was created as part of the 2025 Crazy8s film competition, which challenges six filmmakers to produce a short film over eight days.

A feature expansion of the film is in development.

Awards

Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient Result Ref.
Canadian Screen Awards 2026 Best Performance in a Live Action Short Drama Siobhan Connors Pending
Directors Guild of Canada 2025 Best Short Film Spencer Zimmerman Nominated
Leo Awards 2026 Best Musical Score in a Short Drama Ethan Lawrence Nominated
Leo Awards 2026 Best Picture Editing in a Short Drama Anthony Luneburg Nominated
Leo Awards 2026 Best Performance Short Drama Pat Moonie Nominated
Abbotsford Film Festival 2025 Best of BC Won

References

  1. ↑ Stephen Saito, "Fantasia Fest 2025 Interview: Spencer Zimmerman on Grabbing Attention with 'Headcase'". The Movable Fest, July 27, 2025.
  2. ↑ Jamie Casemore, "Kevin Healey, Viral Nation board Headcase feature adaptation". Playback, July 28, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Kevin Healey, Viral Nation board Headcase feature adaptation".
  4. ↑ Jennie Punter, "‘Die Hart’ EP Kevin Healey, Viral Nation’s Paul Telner Board Feature Adaptation of Fantasia Short ‘Headcase’". Variety, July 25, 2025.
  5. ↑ "The 14th Canadian Screen Awards Nominations (2026)". The Canadian Film Reviewer, March 26, 2026.
  6. ↑ Connie Thiessen, "DGC unveils film, doc nominees; Discovery Award short list". Broadcast Dialogue, September 22, 2025.
  7. ↑ https://www.leoawards.com/2026/nominees_and_winners/nominees_and_winners_by_program_2026.php#Headcase
  8. ↑ https://www.leoawards.com/2026/nominees_and_winners/nominees_and_winners_by_program_2026.php#Headcase
  9. ↑ https://www.leoawards.com/2026/nominees_and_winners/nominees_and_winners_by_program_2026.php#Headcase
  10. ↑ Brandon Tucker (April 1, 2026). "Creatives leave Abbotsford festival as award-winning filmmakers". The Abbotsford News.