Paris Is Burning (1991)
Release Date
1991-03-13
Rating
8
Duration
78 min
Countries
Keywords
new york city transvestism aids homophobia drag queen male homosexuality transsexual subculture shoplifting lgbt drag woman director harlem new york city black lgbt 1980s voguing ball culture
Qualities
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.
