Paris Is Burning

Mar 13, 1991

1h 18m

★ 8.0

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.

Genres

Documentary

Production Companies

Off White Productions

Paris Is Burning Trailers

Cast

Self

Pepper LaBeija

Self

Octavia St. Laurent

Self

Venus Xtravaganza

Self

Dorian Corey

Self

Willi Ninja

Self

Paris Dupree

Self

Freddie Pendavis

Self

Sol Williams Pendavis

Self

Junior LaBeija

Self

Angie Xtravaganza

Self

Carmen Xtravaganza

Self

Brooke Xtravaganza

Welcome to a different kind of drag race! As NYC emerges from the chaos of 2020, Marti Cummings (they/them), an audacious and big-hearted drag queen, goes all out in a historic bid to become a City Councilperson. It’s one of the most hotly contested Council races in years, and Marti’s strongest competitor is Shaun Abreu, a tenants’ lawyer with deep roots in the district’s Latinx community. As these first-timers race to do the most good for their Upper Manhattan neighbors, they offer very different visions for Democratic politics – one in a suit and tie, the other in combat boots and floral print. As this immersive documentary reveals, Marti’s passion inspires queer activists and allies to change the political system. Their campaign becomes a community of its own, especially for Marti’s non-binary peers who have never before seen themselves represented.

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