Paris Is Burning (1990)

A chronicle of New York's drag scene in the 1980s, focusing on balls, voguing and the ambitions and dreams of those who gave the era its warmth and vitality.

Director:

Jennie Livingston

Stars:

Brooke Xtravaganza, André Christian, Dorian Corey

16 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brooke Xtravaganza	...	Self (as Carmen and Brooke)
André Christian	...	Self (as Andre Christian)
Dorian Corey	...	Self
Paris Duprée	...	Self (as Paris Dupree)
Pepper LaBeija	...	Self
Junior LaBeija	...	Self
Willi Ninja	...	Self
Sandy Ninja	...	Self
Kim Pendavis	...	Self
Freddie Pendavis	...	Self
Sol Pendavis	...	Self
Avis Pendavis	...	Self
Octavia St. Laurent	...	Self (as Octavia Saint Laurent)
Stevie Saint Laurent	...	Self
Anji Xtravaganza	...	Self (as Angie Xtravaganza)

Storyline

This is a documentary of 'drag nights' among New York's underclass. Queens are interviewed and observed preparing for and competing in many 'balls'. The people, the clothes, and the whole environment are outlandish.

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Plot Keywords:

national film registry | new queer cinema | new york city piers | ball | ambition | 

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Taglines:

Having a ball...wish you were here

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Genres:

Documentary

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

A young Pepper LaBeija can be seen very briefly as a contestant in the 1968 documentary The Queen, about a drag beauty pageant held in New York City. The legendary Crystal LaBeija, original mother and founder of the House of LaBeija, is also featured giving a fierce and shady reading.

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Quotes

Venus Xtravaganza: Some of them say that we're sick, we're crazy. And some of them think that we are the most gorgeous, special things on Earth.

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Connections

Referenced in In Living Color: Men on Televison Part 2: What Happened to Blaine? (1991)

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Soundtracks

I Am What I Am
from 'La Cage aux Folles'
Written by Jerry Herman

User Reviews

Some answers as to where they are now.....

While many unfortunately passed on, the ballroom scene is still very much alive and carrying on their legacy. Some are still very much alive and quite well, Octavia is more radiant and beautiful than ever, Willi Ninja is very accomplished and gives a great deal of support to the gay community as a whole, Pepper Labeija just passed on last year of natural cause, may she rest in peace. After Anji's passing Carmen became the mother of the house of Xtravaganza (she was in the beach scene) and she is looking more and more lovely as well. Some balls have categories dedicated to those who have passed, may they all rest in peace. There is currently another project underway known as "How Do I Look?", you can check out the website at www.howdoilooknyc.org.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

August 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Children Are

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$310,127, 11 August 1991

Gross USA:

$3,905,297

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,905,297

Company Credits

Production Co:

Art Matters Inc., BBC Television, Edelman Family Fund

Technical Specs

Runtime:

71 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1