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Paris Is Burning Poster

Paris Is Burning

"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.

Top Cast

  • Pepper LaBeija

    Pepper LaBeija

    Self

  • Octavia St. Laurent

    Octavia St. Laurent

    Self

  • Venus Xtravaganza

    Venus Xtravaganza

    Self

  • Dorian Corey

    Dorian Corey

    Self

  • Willi Ninja

    Willi Ninja

    Self

  • Paris Dupree

    Paris Dupree

    Self

  • Freddie Pendavis

    Freddie Pendavis

    Self

  • Sol Williams Pendavis

    Sol Williams Pendavis

    Self

  • Junior LaBeija

    Junior LaBeija

    Self

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.

Trailers & Clips

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