Paris Is Burning

Is Paris Is Burning right for your family?

Movie 1991 78 min

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.

What's inside

Provisional estimate — not yet fully analyzed. R (US)

Likely present: Political & social messagingHeavy emotional contentEducational content

The documentary addresses complex social issues such as homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty within New York's drag scene.

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