Paris Is Burning - The Criterion Collection

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 - Paris Is Burning brings it, celebrating the joy of movement, the force of eloquence, and the draw of community.

Special Features

Commentary: Jennie Livingston (director), Freddie Pendavis and Willi Ninja (ball community members) and Jonathan Oppenheim (film editor), Interviews: Jenni Olson (LGBT film historian), New conversation between Jennie Livingston, Sol Pendavis (ball community member), Freddie Pendavis and Thomas Allen Harris (film-maker); Episode of 'The Joan Rivers Show' from 1991 featuring Jenni Livingston and Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija, Freddie Pendavis and Willi Ninja (ball community members); Essay by Michelle Parkerson (film-maker); 1991 review by Essex Hemphill (poet); New cover by Eric Skillman, Outtakes, Trailers

Audio Languages: English

Duration: 76 minutes

Number of Discs: 1

Subtitle Languages: English

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