Corey Payette adapts musical Starwalker onto big screen with intricate camera ballet ... - Pancouver

Interdisciplinary storyteller and composer Corey Payette discusses his new film Starwalker, adapted from his acclaimed 2023 musical, in an interview with Pancouver.

Payette created Starwalker as a love letter to East Vancouver's vibrant queer and Indigenous community. The film follows Star, an East Van Indigiqueer Two-Spirit character played by Dillan Chiblow, as he discovers the drag world at the fictional House of Borealis nightclub. Set in the welcoming Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood, the story weaves together themes of identity, community, and belonging through 16 original songs.

• The Vancouver Queer Film Festival presents the B.C. premiere on September 13 at International Village Cinemas
• Payette drew inspiration from his Mattagami First Nation heritage and 16 years living in East Vancouver
• Most theatrical cast members reprised their roles for the film adaptation
• The story incorporates Indigenous references and celebrates the area's arts-focused, diverse community