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Paris Is Burning

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8.0/10 • 492

1991-03-131h 18m

Documentary

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.

Directors
Jennie Livingston
Editors
Jonathan Oppenheim

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Pepper LaBeija

    Pepper LaBeija

    Self

  2. Octavia St. Laurent

    Octavia St. Laurent

    Self

  3. Venus Xtravaganza

    Venus Xtravaganza

    Self

  4. Dorian Corey

    Dorian Corey

    Self

  5. Willi Ninja

    Willi Ninja

    Self

  6. Paris Dupree

    Paris Dupree

    Self

  7. Freddie Pendavis

    Freddie Pendavis

    Self

  8. Sol Williams Pendavis

    Sol Williams Pendavis

    Self

  9. Junior LaBeija

    Junior LaBeija

    Self

Reviews1

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CinemaSerf Avatar

CinemaSerf

May 8, 2025

7/10

Set over a seven year period, this follows not just the evolution of a group of 1980s New York African-American and Latino drag artists, but it also shines quite a light on changing societal attitudes as these lively, strong and characterful folk try to assert their own identity amidst a city not always accepting or willing. It’s all about balls - literally and metaphorically, and showcases a community determined not to be ground down by using their exuberant fashions, dancing, extroversion, competitive spirit and overwhelming sense of community to provide each other with strength and inspiration. They are all from a working class background, but again are bent on using their wits to start businesses, to travel the world, to achieve stardom and to prove their worth to themselves and their frequently hostile and/or bamboozled neighbours. As you’d expect, there’s a lively soundtrack that epitomises the spunkiness of these people, there’s a flamboyance and there is also a vulnerability - rather tragically illustrated towards the end that shows us that being different, proud and “out” is not necessarily the same as being safe and respected. The contributors are passionate, erudite and engaging and though the timeframe offers us a degree of hope that lasting change is coming, slowly - it also reminds us that that change is neither consistent nor guaranteed. At times a little repetitive, maybe one too many catwalks, but it’s still a fascinating insight into an urban sub-culture set upon flourishing.

Media

  • Paris Is Burning poster
  • Paris Is Burning poster
  • Paris Is Burning poster
  • Paris Is Burning poster
  • Paris Is Burning poster
  • Paris Is Burning poster
  • Paris Is Burning poster
  • Paris Is Burning poster
  • Paris Is Burning poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
$500,000.00
Revenue
$3,800,000.00
Keywords
new york citytransvestismaidshomophobiadrag queenmale homosexualitytranssexualsubcultureshopliftinglgbtdragwoman directorharlem, new york cityblack lgbt1980svoguingball culture