This November, Alberta’s dinosaur capital is getting a film festival celebrating local filmmakers and homegrown talent. The Starland Film Festival is coming to Drumheller for two days of Alberta-made movies, filmmaker panels, and live entertainment at the historic Napier Theatre.

The festival will feature a range of films, from documentaries to drama and science fiction, alongside discussions with people working in Alberta’s film industry.

Here’s everything to know about the Starland Film Festival, including the schedule, featured films, and ticket information.

What to expect at the Starland Film Festival

What is the Starland Film Festival?

Presented by Starland Studios, the Starland Film Festival is a two-day event celebrating filmmaking in Alberta.

The event brings together Alberta-made films across a range of genres, including drama, documentaries, horror, and science fiction. In addition to screenings, attendees can join Q&A sessions with directors and panel discussions covering everything from getting started as a filmmaker to working in the industry.

What can I do on Friday?

The festival kicks off Friday evening with two film screenings at Napier Theatre, followed by a live music after-party at Yavis Restaurant.

Here’s a look at everything planned for opening night:

  • Hearts Creek
    • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Buffet Infinity
    • Time: 8:45 p.m.
  • After-party at Yavis Restaurant
    • Time: 9 p.m.

What can I do on Saturday?

On Saturday, the lineup includes a full day of films and panels, with screenings covering everything from dinosaurs and travel to documentaries and science fiction.

Here’s the schedule:

  • A Sauropod Abroad
    • Time: 10 a.m.
  • “So You Want to be a Filmmaker?” panel
    • Time: 10:30 a.m.
  • The Global Grand Challenge: Can Earth Feed 10 Billion People?
    • Time: 11:45 a.m.
  • “So You Want to Work in the Film Industry?” panel
    • Time: 1 p.m.
  • Funny Money
    • Time: 1:45 p.m.
  • “So You Want a Film-Friendly Community?” panel
    • Time: 3 p.m.
  • The Last Howl
    • Time: 3:45 p.m.
  • Not in My City: The Paul Brandt Story and In Cold Light
    • Time: 6:45 p.m.
  • X-Communicado
    • Time: 8:45 p.m.

Where is the Starland Film Festival?

The Starland Film Festival will take place at the historic Napier Theatre in downtown Drumheller, about 1.5 hours northeast of Calgary by car. Free on-site parking will be available, but it’s recommended that you arrive early if you want to get a spot.

How much are tickets?

Tickets for the Starland Film Festival are $25 and can be purchased online in advance or at the door during the festival.

So if you want to catch some Alberta-made movies on the big screen, head to Drumheller this November.

Starland Film Festival

When: Friday, Nov. 13 to Saturday, Nov. 15, 2026
Time: Friday: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Where: Napier Theatre – 20 3rd Ave. E, Drumheller, Alta.
Cost: $25

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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