Film

Paris Is Burning 1991

Directed by Jennie Livingston

  • Documentary, History
  • 78 min
  • R

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.

DocumentaryHistorynew york citytransvestismaidshomophobiadrag queenmale homosexualitytranssexualsubcultureshopliftinglgbtdragwoman director

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