Plot
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.
Trailer
Cast
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
Self
Kim Pendavis
Self
Sandy Ninja
Self
Avis Pendavis
Self
Andre Christian
Self
Stevie St. Laurent
Self
Bianca Xtravaganza
Self
Danny Xtravaganza
Self
David Xtravaganza
Self
David Ian Xtravaganza
Self
David the Father Xtravaganza
Self
Eileen Ford
Self (uncredited)
Jose Guitierez
Self (uncredited)
Shari Headley
Self (uncredited)
Geoffrey Holder
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Fran Lebowitz
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Gwen Verdon
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
