ARTSPLACE Gallery will present a screening of Corey Payette’s feature film, “Starwalker,” September 8 at 7 p.m.
“Starwalker” follows Star, played by Dilan Chiblow, an Indigi-queer two-spirit call boy; whose life begins to change after an introduction to The House of Borealis, a well-known drag house led by its charismatic matriarch, Mother, portrayed by Stewart Adam McKensy. Immersed in the community of performers and supported by fellow drag artist Levi, played by Jeffrey Follis, Star discovers a creative space that offers both belonging and self-expression.
As Star develops a passion for drag, the film explores the relationship between performance, identity and cultural memory. Long-suppressed experiences resurface, challenging Star to confront personal history left behind. The support of a chosen family becomes central to that journey, ultimately leading to the creation of the drag persona Starwalker, a character that brings together a grounded cultural spirit with a distinctive approach to drag performance.
Written, directed, composed, produced and with lyrics by Corey Payette, “Starwalker” continues the multidisciplinary practice that has established Payette as one of Canada’s leading Indigenous theatre and film creators. A member of Mattagami First Nation, Payette is recognized for original works that combine music, storytelling and contemporary performance, while examining Indigenous experiences through a deeply personal lens.
Entry is by donation, with $10 suggested, accessible only by stairs. Starwalker is 116 minutes long, in English.
ARTSPLACE is a public art gallery at 396 St. George Street in Annapolis Royal, operated by the Annapolis Region Community Arts Council, a registered charitable, community organization dedicated to encouraging and promoting the arts.
