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.

Director: Jennie Livingston

Cast

Pepper LaBeija

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Octavia St. Laurent

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Venus Xtravaganza

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Dorian Corey

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Willi Ninja

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Paris Dupree

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Freddie Pendavis

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Sol Williams Pendavis

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