Paris Is Burning( 1991)

TV-MADocumentary

80%

User
Score

Having a ball… Wish you were here

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.

Top Billed Cast

Pepper LaBeija
Self
Octavia St. Laurent
Self
Venus Xtravaganza
Self
Dorian Corey
Self
Willi Ninja
Self
Paris Dupree
Self
Freddie Pendavis
Self
Sol Williams Pendavis
Self
Junior LaBeija
Self
Angie Xtravaganza
Self
Carmen Xtravaganza
Self
Brooke Xtravaganza
Self
Kim Pendavis
Self
Sandy Ninja
Self
Avis Pendavis
Self
Andre Christian
Self
Stevie St. Laurent
Self
Bianca Xtravaganza
Self
Danny Xtravaganza
Self
David Xtravaganza
Self
David Ian Xtravaganza
Self
David the Father Xtravaganza
Self
Fran Lebowitz
Self (archive footage)

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Review 1Discussion

A review by CinemaSerf

Written by CinemaSerf on Thu May 08 2025

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 inspirati...