Paris Is Burning

Paris Is Burning (1991)

Having a ball… Wish you were here

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.

Date of release
1991-03-13
TMDB
8.0 / 10 (571)
Runtime
1h 18m
Genres
Documentary, History
Director
Jennie Livingston

Casting

  • Pepper LaBeija — Self
  • Octavia St. Laurent — Self
  • Venus Xtravaganza — Self
  • Dorian Corey — Self
  • Willi Ninja — Self
  • Paris Dupree — Self
  • Freddie Pendavis — Self
  • Sol Williams Pendavis — Self
  • Junior LaBeija — Self
  • Angie Xtravaganza — Self
  • Carmen Xtravaganza — Self
  • Brooke Xtravaganza — Self

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