Starwalker

Star (Dillan Chiblow), a lonesome Indigiqueer Two-Spirit call boy, discovers a new sense of purpose in the vibrant world of drag after being welcomed into The House of Borealis led by charismatic matriarch Mother (Stewart Adam McKensy). As Star immerses themself in this chosen family and embraces their artistry, they reconnect with a long-buried cultural identity–and resurface painful memories. Star leans on a new connection Levi (Jeffrey Follis) and their drag sisters to transform grief into power, emerging as Starwalker, a fierce fusion of ancestral spirit and unapologetic self-expression.

Screening at VQFF in its hometown premiere, musical drama Starwalker is written, directed, and composed by Oji-Cree theatre veteran and filmmaker Corey Payette of the Indigenous focused theatre company Urban Ink. Payette takes this universal story of self-discovery and acceptance to dazzling musical heights with sensational drag numbers and original music, shot in the familiar streets of East Van.

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Followed by a post-screening Q&A with the filmmakers.