Paris Is Burning
“Having a ball… Wish you were here”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2019-05-15
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Pepper LaBeija
Self
Octavia St. Laurent
Self
Venus Xtravaganza
Self
Dorian Corey
Self
Willi Ninja
Self
Paris Dupree
Self
Freddie Pendavis
Self
Sol Williams Pendavis
Self
Junior LaBeija
Self
Angie Xtravaganza
Self
Carmen Xtravaganza
Self
Brooke Xtravaganza
Self
Kim Pendavis
Self
Sandy Ninja
Self
Avis Pendavis
Self
Andre Christian
Self
Stevie St. Laurent
Self
Bianca Xtravaganza
Self
Release History & Theatrical Window
Toronto International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
March 13, 1991
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$500K
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$3.9M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
7.81x
+$3.4M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jennie Livingston
- Original Score
- Lynn Geller
- Original Title
- Paris Is Burning
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 18m
- Production Budget
- $500K
- Worldwide Gross
- $3.9M
- Production Studios
- Off White Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jennie Livingston
Lynn Geller
Paul Gibson
Jonathan Oppenheim
Jennie Livingston, Barry Swimar, Madison Davis Lacy, Nigel Finch
Department Leadership Roster
Jennie Livingston
Producer
Jonathan Oppenheim
Editor
Jennie Livingston
Director
Barry Swimar
Producer
Paul Gibson
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Paris Is Burning.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Paris Is Burning.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paris Is Burning
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Paris Is Burning about?
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.
Who directed Paris Is Burning?
Paris Is Burning was directed by Jennie Livingston.
Who stars in Paris Is Burning?
The principal cast of Paris Is Burning includes Pepper LaBeija, Octavia St. Laurent, Venus Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey, Willi Ninja.
When was Paris Is Burning released and how long is it?
Paris Is Burning was released in 1991 with a total runtime of 1h 18m.
What was the box office and production budget of Paris Is Burning?
Paris Is Burning had a reported production budget of $500K and grossed $3.9M at the worldwide box office (7.81 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for Paris Is Burning?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Paris Is Burning was composed by Lynn Geller.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Paris Is Burning?
Paris Is Burning holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).