Paris Is Burning

Having a ball… Wish you were here

• Rated 8.0 out of 10
• Movie
• 1991
• 1h 18m
• Documentary
• History

Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza.

Director

Jennie Livingston

Starring

Pepper LaBeija, Octavia St. Laurent, Venus Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey