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Paris Is Burning poster

FILM

Paris Is Burning (1991)

Film · 1991 · 78 min · R · Documentary · History

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.

Directed by Jennie Livingston

Starring Pepper LaBeija, Octavia St. Laurent, Venus Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey, Willi Ninja, Paris Dupree, Freddie Pendavis, Sol Williams Pendavis

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Release dates in the United States

In cinemas13 March 1991
Digital releaseNot listed
Physical releaseNot listed
First release anywhere13 March 1991

Dates come from TMDB and can change. The digital date is the first rental, purchase or streaming date and does not confirm a launch on a particular service; the physical date does not confirm a Blu-ray or 4K edition. Both are often added closer to release.

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