Paris Is Burning (1991)
Overview · Where to watch · Cast & crew · Reviews
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.
- Released: 1991-03-13
- Genres: Documentary, History
- Runtime: 1h 18m
- Status: Released
- TMDB rating: 8.0/10 from 571 votes
Directed by Jennie Livingston.
Top cast
- Pepper LaBeija as Self
- Octavia St. Laurent as Self
- Venus Xtravaganza as Self
- Dorian Corey as Self
- Willi Ninja as Self
- Paris Dupree as Self
- Freddie Pendavis as Self
- Sol Williams Pendavis as Self
- Junior LaBeija as Self
- Angie Xtravaganza as Self
Where to watch Paris Is Burning
- United States: stream on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel, HBO Max; watch free on Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, Plex, Plex Channel, Tubi TV; rent on Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home; buy on Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- United Kingdom: watch free on BBC iPlayer
- Canada: stream on Criterion Channel; watch free on Crave, Tubi TV, Plex; rent on Apple TV Store; buy on Apple TV Store
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