Paris Is Burning
Directed by Jennie Livingston
Starring Pepper LaBeija, Octavia St. Laurent, Venus Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey, Willi Ninja, Paris Dupree, Freddie Pendavis, Sol Williams Pendavis, Junior LaBeija, Angie Xtravaganza
CuriousWhere 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.
- Original language
- English
- Cinematography
- Paul Gibson
- Cast
- Dorian Corey, Willi Ninja, Paris Dupree, Freddie Pendavis, Sol Williams Pendavis, Junior LaBeija, Angie Xtravaganza, Carmen Xtravaganza, Brooke Xtravaganza
Updated July 22, 2026
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Paris Is Burning is streaming on HBO Max, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, Plex.
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