Having a ball… Wish you were here
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 (1991) is a documentary and history film directed by Jennie Livingston, released on March 13, 1991 with a runtime of 1h 18m. It stars Pepper LaBeija, Octavia St. Laurent, Venus Xtravaganza and Dorian Corey. Viewers rate it 8.0 out of 10 across 565 ratings.
Watch the official trailer for Paris Is Burning before you stream it.
Official trailers, teasers, clips and featurettes for Paris Is Burning.
Trailer
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Pepper LaBeija
as Self
Octavia St. Laurent
as Self
Venus Xtravaganza
as Self
Dorian Corey
as Self
Willi Ninja
as Self
Paris Dupree
as Self
Freddie Pendavis
as Self
Sol Williams Pendavis
as Self
Junior LaBeija
as Self
Angie Xtravaganza
as Self
Carmen Xtravaganza
as Self
Brooke Xtravaganza
as Self
Directed by Jennie Livingston, produced by Jennie Livingston and Barry Swimar.
Average viewer score of 8.0/10 from 565 ratings.
Set over a seven year period, this follows not just the evolution of a group of 1980s New York African-American and Latino drag artists, but it also shines quite a light on changing societal attitudes as these lively, strong and characterful folk try to assert their own identity amidst a city not always accepting or willing. It’s all about balls - literally and metaphorically, and showcases a community determined…
Reviewed on May 8, 2025
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Paris Is Burning (1991) is available to stream on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel and HBO Max, and to rent or buy from Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability is checked against JustWatch data and can change by region.
The main cast of Paris Is Burning (1991) includes Pepper LaBeija, Octavia St. Laurent, Venus Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey and Willi Ninja. The film was directed by Jennie Livingston. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
Paris Is Burning was released on March 13, 1991 and runs for 1h 18m.
Paris Is Burning (1991) holds an average rating of 8.0 out of 10 from 565 viewer votes, and is a good pick if you enjoy documentary and history films. Read the viewer reviews on this page to decide for yourself.
Yes. The official Paris Is Burning trailer is embedded in the trailer section of this page and plays instantly, no download or sign-up required.
