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Paris Is Burning (1990)

Directed by Jennie Livingston · Cinematography by Paul Gibson

R78 min39 frames

Documentary

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.

Stills from Paris Is Burning

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Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: wide — A concrete pier covered in graffiti overlooks a river during a sunset. A group of individuals stand and…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: wide — A community hall with paneled walls features a raised stage and scattered round tables. A performer in a…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: medium — Three young women stand together inside a dark and crowded nightclub setting. Harsh red neon light…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: medium — An interior space features pale walls and a window covered by simple white curtains. A woman faces the…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: medium — A spacious hall features dark red walls with ornate gold-trimmed panels and a wooden floor. A…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: medium — A woman stands in front of a fireplace mantel decorated with numerous award trophies. She faces the…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: wide — A dark city intersection features a large, glowing red LED sign suspended across the street. The sign…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: medium — A dark, smoke-filled room is lit by heavy green atmospheric lighting and neon. A group of people stand…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: medium — A high-contrast black-and-white scene with two women posed against a bright white background. They…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: establishing — A nocturnal view of the lower Manhattan skyline featuring the World Trade Center towers.…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: medium — A dimly lit theater balcony features red structural elements and a wooden railing. Three young men…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: medium — A 1980s living room features a patterned sofa next to an illuminated floral lamp. A man with glasses…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: fullbody — A wide paved pier stretches along a body of water during the sunset. A man and a woman walk away…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: medium — An urban lot enclosed by a chain link fence features a boarded up house. A young man stands in the…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: medium — A dark ballroom with rows of people seated in the background on chairs. A young man in an orange…Paris Is Burning (1990) movie still: medium — Two teenage boys walk down a dimly lit urban exterior at night. One has his arm around the other while…

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