Paris Is Burning

1990·78'

Jennie Livingston

Documentary

★ 8.0

Letterboxd TMDB #31225

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.

Cast

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