Paris Is Burning

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.

US

Made in US

8/10

1991

Documentary

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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

Carmen Xtravaganza

Carmen Xtravaganza

As Self

Brooke Xtravaganza

Brooke Xtravaganza

As Self

Kim Pendavis

Kim Pendavis

As Self

Sandy Ninja

Sandy Ninja

As Self

Avis Pendavis

Avis Pendavis

As Self

Andre Christian

Andre Christian

As Self

Stevie St. Laurent

Stevie St. Laurent

As Self

Bianca Xtravaganza

Bianca Xtravaganza

As Self

Danny Xtravaganza

Danny Xtravaganza

As Self

David Xtravaganza

David Xtravaganza

As Self

David Ian Xtravaganza

David Ian Xtravaganza

As Self

David the Father Xtravaganza

David the Father Xtravaganza

As Self

Eileen Ford

Eileen Ford

As Self (uncredited)

Jose Guitierez

Jose Guitierez

As Self (uncredited)

Shari Headley

Shari Headley

As Self (uncredited)

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