Paris is burning

Author

Jennie Livingston

Call Number

• DVD 306.778 P2326C (CEN, OSH)

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Edition

Director-approved two-DVD special edition.

Languages

English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Performers

Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija, Venus Xtravaganza, Octavia Saint Laurent, Willi Ninja, Anji Xtravaganza, Freddie Pendavis, Junior Labeija.

Publication Information

[Irvington, NY] : Criterion Collection, [2020]

Physical Description

2 videodiscs (76 minutes) : sound, color ; 4 3/4 in. + 1 booklet (36 pages : color illustrations ; 19 cm)

Audience

MPAA rating: R, for language and sexuality.

Summary

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

Notes

Originally released as a documentary in 1990.

Special features: New 2K digital restoration, supervised by director Jennie Livingston ; new conversation between Livingston, ball community members Sol Pendavis and Freddie Pendavis, and filmmaker Thomas Allen Harris ; over an hour of never-before-seen outtakes ; audio commentary from 2005, featuring Livingston, ball community members Freddie Pendavis and Will Ninja, and film editor Jonathan Oppenheim ; episode of The Joan Rivers show from 1991, featuring Livingston and ball community members Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija, Freddie Pendavis, and Ninja ; trailer.