Paris Is Burning

Explore Paris Is Burning (1991), including ReelBot’s take, cast, runtime, where to watch, and similar movies worth adding to your list.

1991 · 78 min · R · Documentary · History · TMDB 8.0/10

Overview

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.

Directed by Jennie Livingston

Cast

• Pepper LaBeija — Self
• Octavia St. Laurent — Self
• Venus Xtravaganza — Self
• Dorian Corey — Self
• Willi Ninja — Self