Paris Is Burning (1991)

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 — PARIS IS BURNING brings it, celebrating the joy of movement, the force of eloquence, and the draw of community.

Genres

Documentary

Poster for Paris Is Burning

Paris Is Burning (1991) 8.3

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 — PARIS IS BURNING brings it, celebrating the joy of movement, the force of eloquence, and the draw of community.

Genres

Documentary

Top Billed Cast

Carmen Xtravaganza
Brooke Xtravaganza
Andre Christian
Dorian Corey
Paris Dupree

Director

Jennie Livingston

Having a ball… Wish you were here

Is this DVD available?

Library	Call Number	Availability	Location
Clemons	VIDEO .DVD09049	Available	Stacks
Clemons	VIDEO .DVD09049	Available	Stacks
Law	KLAUS DVD #1199	Available	Klaus Reading Room

Paris Is Burning

Alternative Title	Paris Is Burning
Release Date	March 13, 1991
Original Language	English
Runtime	71
Certification
Popularity Index (TMDB)	11.42
Rating (TMDB)	8.30

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