Paris Is Burning

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.

Cast

Pepper LaBeija

Pepper LaBeija

as Self

Octavia St. Laurent

Octavia St. Laurent

as Self

Venus Xtravaganza

Venus Xtravaganza

as Self

Dorian Corey

Dorian Corey

as Self

Willi Ninja

Willi Ninja

as Self

Paris Dupree

Paris Dupree

as Self

Freddie Pendavis

Freddie Pendavis

as Self

Sol Williams Pendavis

Sol Williams Pendavis

as Self

Junior LaBeija

Junior LaBeija

as Self

Angie Xtravaganza

Angie Xtravaganza

as Self

Reviews

CinemaSerf

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 al...

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