Vancouver audiences will soon have the chance to experience Starwalker, the powerful new dramatic musical feature from award-winning Indigenous writer, director, composer, and producer Corey Payette. Presented by Urban Ink in association with Raven Theatre, the film will begin its theatrical run with special event screenings at The Cultch’s Vancity Culture Lab from March 18–22, 2026. Each screening will be followed by a Q&A session featuring rotating cast members and creative collaborators, offering audiences an intimate look into the making of this groundbreaking musical film. These Vancouver screenings mark the official launch of the film’s theatrical run, with additional cities and dates to be announced.
A Homecoming Celebration at The Cultch
For Corey Payette, bringing Starwalker to The Cultch is deeply meaningful. The neighborhood is where the original stage musical was written and performed, and where the film itself was shot. Payette describes the project as a celebration of joy, self-acceptance, and the power of chosen family. In a time when many communities continue to face resistance and marginalization, Starwalker stands as an affirmation of identity, resilience, and the radical act of telling one’s own story. The film’s homecoming screening reflects both artistic evolution and community roots, bridging theatre and cinema in the very place where its journey began.
A Story of Identity, Drag, and Cultural Reclamation
At the heart of Starwalker is Star, portrayed by Dillan Chiblow, an Indigi-Queer Two-Spirit call boy who becomes captivated by the world of drag after encountering The House of Borealis. Led by the charismatic Mother, played by Stewart Adam McKensy, the drag house becomes both sanctuary and stage. As Star immerses themselves in this vibrant community, they begin to confront a cultural past that was once neglected. When unresolved trauma resurfaces, Star must reconcile their love for drag with their heritage and personal history. Supported by Levi, played by Jeffrey Follis, and their drag sisters, Star ultimately forges a new persona—Starwalker—a fusion of grounded cultural spirit and electrifying drag artistry.
The film weaves music, dance, and emotional storytelling into a narrative that celebrates transformation and authenticity. Payette’s direction infuses every frame with sincerity and lived experience, resulting in a musical that feels both intimate and expansive.
Festival Acclaim and Award Recognition
Starwalker made its world premiere as the opening night film at the Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival, where it was met with acclaim. Since then, the film has traveled internationally, earning awards and recognition across its festival run. Its blend of theatrical vibrancy and cinematic storytelling has resonated strongly with audiences seeking stories centered on Two-Spirit and Indigenous queer experiences. The upcoming Vancouver theatrical debut offers a new opportunity for local audiences to celebrate a film that has already made waves on the global stage.
A Distinguished Creative Team
The film showcases a remarkable creative ensemble. Corey Payette serves as director, writer, composer, and producer, continuing his legacy of large-scale Indigenous musical storytelling. Fabian Aspell Morales joins as producer, with cinematography by Ian Mrozewski and Parham Banafsheh. Executive producer Melissa Tsang supports the project, while production design is led by Anna Shearing. Editor Christian Díaz Durán shapes the film’s rhythm, costume design is crafted by Alaia Hamer, and choreography is brought to life by Ralph Escamillan. The cast includes Jesse Alvarez, Jason Sakaki, Connor Parnall, and Escamillan himself, all recognized for their work on stage and screen.
Starwalker Trailer
Spotlight on the Lead Performers
Dillan Chiblow, who portrays Starwalker, is an Ojibwe storyteller from Garden River First Nation. A graduate of Sheridan College’s Musical Theatre program and holder of a Master’s degree from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Chiblow has been widely recognized for their commitment to Indigenous storytelling. Jeffrey Follis, known for his work in Kinky Boots and as a celebrated drag artist under the persona Uropa, brings dynamic presence to the role of Levi. Stewart Adam McKensy, a Toronto-based Black and queer performer, brings commanding warmth to Mother, drawing from extensive stage experience in productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, and Jersey Boys.
A Legacy of Storytelling and Reconciliation
Corey Payette’s body of work is rooted in Indigenous storytelling, reconciliation, and cultural revitalization. A member of the Mattagami First Nations with French Canadian and Irish ancestry, Payette has received numerous honors, including the inaugural BC Reconciliation Award. As Artistic Director of Urban Ink and founder of Raven Theatre, he has championed projects that amplify Indigenous voices and bridge communities. His acclaimed musicals Children of God, Les Filles du Roi, Sedna, and now Starwalker reflect a consistent commitment to exploring colonization, identity, and healing through music and performance.
Community Support and Production Partners
Filmed in Vancouver, Starwalker was made possible through the support of multiple partners, including the Government of Canada’s Community Services Fund, the Department of Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, City of Vancouver, BC Gaming, United Way BC, First Peoples Cultural Council, and Raven Theatre. Urban Ink and Raven Theatre continue to foster Indigenous and diverse storytelling from the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.
With its theatrical launch at The Cultch, Starwalker invites audiences to celebrate identity, artistry, and the transformative power of joy. Through music, drag, and deeply personal storytelling, the film stands as a vibrant testament to embracing who we are—fully and unapologetically.
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