Paris Is Burning
Exploration of 1980s underground drag ball culture
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About Paris Is Burning
Released: 1990
Platform: Max
Rating: R
Run time:
Cast
Dorian Corey, Junior Labeija, Angie Xtravaganza, Pepper Labeija, Paris Dupree, Willi Ninja
About Paris Is Burning
Paris Is Burning is a critically acclaimed 1990 documentary film directed by Jennie Livingston. The film explores the vibrant drag ball culture in New York City during the mid-to-late 1980s, casting a light on African-American, Latino, gay, and transgender communities involved in it. The documentary presents themes of race, class, gender, and sexuality against a backdrop of a rich, yet marginalized aspect of city life.
Making / Production
The making of Paris Is Burning was the result of director Jennie Livingston's fascination with the underground ballroom culture. Over several years, she became an intimate part of the community and observed their lives, taking years to complete the film. Due to its limited budget, it was shot in 16mm film.
Actors
- Pepper LaBeija as herself - Pepper was a stunning performer who gave the audience a glimpse into the drag queen scene.
- Dorian Corey as herself - Dorian was a seasoned drag queen whose reflections aid in directing the film's narrative.
- Venus Xtravaganza as herself - Venus shared her dreams and aspirations, delivering an emotional performance.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- The drag ballroom culture was influential in shaping the "voguing" dance phenomenon.
- The film reflects the birth of phrases like 'throwing shade' and 'reading' that have now made their way into popular culture.
- Madonna's hit song "Vogue" came out after and was influenced by the ballroom scene featured in this film.
Awards
Paris Is Burning bagged the Grand Jury Prize: Documentary during the 1991 Sundance Film Festival. It also won the NYFCC Award for Best Documentary and was honoured at the Berlin International Film Festival the same year.
Quotes
- "Shade is I don't tell you you're ugly, but I don't have to tell you because you know you're ugly. And that's shade." - Dorian Corey
- "You don't have to bend the whole world. I think you just have to get up off your bottom and look at the person next to you." - Octavia St. Laurent
Music, Soundtrack
- The soundtrack for Paris Is Burning includes classics like "Love Is the Message" by MFSB.
- It also features "It's Music" by Damon Harris and "It Seems to Hang On" by Ashford & Simpson.
About Paris Is Burning
Paris Is Burning offers an insightful exploration of drag ball culture within the 80s New York City's African-American and Latinx communities.
