Paris Is Burning poster

Movie

Paris Is Burning

1991R1h 18m8.0 / 10

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.

Availability

Not streaming in United States

Paris Is Burning opened in theaters March 13, 1991. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.

Synopsis

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.

More about Paris Is Burning

Cast

Pepper LaBeijaSelf
Octavia St. LaurentSelf
Venus XtravaganzaSelf
Dorian CoreySelf
Willi NinjaSelf
Paris DupreeSelf
Freddie PendavisSelf
Sol Williams PendavisSelf

Credits

Directed by
Jennie Livingston

Production details

Status
Released
Original language
English
Budget
$500K
Box office
$3.9M

Production

  • Off White ProductionsUnited States

Themes

1980saidsball cultureblack lgbtdragdrag queenharlem, new york cityhomophobia