Paris Is Burning (1991)

Name: Paris Is Burning
Genre: Documentary
Released: 1991
Duration: 78 min
Rating: 8.0
Cast: Pepper LaBeija, Octavia St. Laurent, Venus Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey, Willi Ninja

1h 18m United States of America

Documentary

Plot

Exploring the origins of voguing and the art of throwing shade, this groundbreaking documentary immerses viewers in the vibrant 1980s drag-ball culture of New York City's African American and Latinx communities. Spanning seven years of intimate storytelling, *Paris Is Burning* delves into the fierce rivalries between fashion "houses," showcasing dramatic competitions for trophies and the nurturing support of house mothers. Amid the backdrop of rampant homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty, the film features iconic figures like Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza, painting a compelling portrait of resilience and creativity.

Cast

Pepper LaBeija Octavia St. Laurent Venus Xtravaganza Dorian Corey Willi Ninja Paris Dupree Freddie Pendavis Sol Williams Pendavis Junior LaBeija Angie Xtravaganza Carmen Xtravaganza Brooke Xtravaganza Kim Pendavis Sandy Ninja Avis Pendavis