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

Considered to be the first example of the now-common expression "throwing shade."

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Quotes

Dorian Corey: I always had hopes of being a big star. But as you get older, you aim a little lower. Everybody wants to make an impression, some mark upon the world. Then you think, you've made a mark on the world if you just get through it, and a few people remember your name. Then you've left a mark. You don't have to bend the whole world. I think it's better to just enjoy it. Pay your dues, and just enjoy it. If you shoot an arrow and it goes real high, hooray for you.

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Connections

Referenced in RuPaul's Drag Race: Absolut Drag Ball (2009)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

update..

to give folks an update on the individuals interviewed in "Paris Is Burning", Angie Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey & just last year(or early this year?), Pepper LaBeija all passed-away, unfortunately. ...they will all be missed.:(

Willi Ninja's still on the performing scene. ...as is Sade Pendavis(from my understanding). ..i'm not sure what has become of the rest of the cast, though.

to this day, i watch this film as if it's the first time seeing it....i, personally, would like Ms. Livingston to make a follow-up film, catching back-up with the surviving individuals....as i'm sure a good many of you would like to see as well.;)

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

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