Paris Is Burning (1991)
Having a ball… Wish you were here
Director: Jennie Livingston
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.
Where to watch
HBO Max Amazon Channel
HBO Max
Apple TV Store
Fandango At Home
Apple TV Store
Fandango At Home
Trailer
Director
Jennie Livingston
Cast
Pepper LaBeija
Self 
Octavia St. Laurent
Self 
Venus Xtravaganza
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Dorian Corey
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Willi Ninja
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Paris Dupree
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Freddie Pendavis
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Sol Williams Pendavis
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Junior LaBeija
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Angie Xtravaganza
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Carmen Xtravaganza
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Brooke Xtravaganza
Self User Reviews (1)
Set over a seven year period, this follows not just the evolution of a group of 1980s New York African-American and Latino drag artists, but it also shines quite a light on changing societal attitudes as these lively, strong and characterful folk try to assert their own identity amidst a city not always accepting or willing. It’s all about balls - literally and metaphorically, and showcases a community determined not to be ground down by using their exuberant fashions, dancing, extroversion, competitive spirit and overwhelming sense of community to provide each other with strength and inspiration. They are all from a working class background, but again are bent on using their wits to start businesses, to travel the world, to achieve stardom and to prove their worth to themselves and their frequently hostile and/or bamboozled neighbours. As you’d expect, there’s a lively soundtrack …
