Paris Is Burning poster

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

    1. cast image

      Pepper LaBeija

      Self

    2. cast image

      Octavia St. Laurent

      Self

    3. cast image

      Venus Xtravaganza

      Self

    4. cast image

      Dorian Corey

      Self

    5. cast image

      Willi Ninja

      Self

    6. cast image

      Paris Dupree

      Self

    7. cast image

      Freddie Pendavis

      Self

    8. cast image

      Sol Williams Pendavis

      Self

    9. cast image

      Junior LaBeija

      Self

    10. cast image

      Angie Xtravaganza

      Self

    11. cast image

      Carmen Xtravaganza

      Self

    12. cast image

      Brooke Xtravaganza

      Self

    13. cast image

      Kim Pendavis

      Self

    14. cast image

      Sandy Ninja

      Self

    15. cast image

      Avis Pendavis

      Self

    16. cast image

      Andre Christian

      Self

    17. cast image

      Stevie St. Laurent

      Self

    18. cast image

      Bianca Xtravaganza

      Self

    19. cast image

      Danny Xtravaganza

      Self

    20. cast image

      David Xtravaganza

      Self

    21. cast image

      David Ian Xtravaganza

      Self

    22. cast image

      David the Father Xtravaganza

      Self

    23. cast image

      Fran Lebowitz

      Self (archive footage)

    Social

    Review 1Discussion

    A review by CinemaSerf

    7
    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...

    Media

    Videos 11Backdrops 15Posters 21

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    Facts

    Status

    Released

    Original Language

    English

    Budget

    500000.00

    Revenue

    3800000.00

    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