Paris is Burning

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FRIDAY SCREENING @ 9PM IS SOLD OUT!* 
A chronicle of New York’s drag scene in the 1980s, focusing on balls, voguing and the ambitions and dreams of those who gave the era its warmth and vitality.

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

Digitally remastered by the UCLA Film and Television Archive in conjunction with Sundance Institute and Outfest UCLA Legacy Project. Preservation funded by Sundance Institute, Outfest and the Andrew J. Kuehn Jr. Foundation.

This newly restored edition of Paris Is Burning—the legendary documentary on 1980s New York Black and Latinx ballroom culture that started it all—will leave you gagging. Trigga Ebony (American Runway), Father Boy Makaveli (European Runway), Father Yasser Ninja (Bizarre), and Mother Sahfari Ebony (Vogue) will give you a taste of the Miami scene when the stomp the house down immediately after the 9pm screening on 9/20! Stay to kiki with the children. Adult beverages and music. Powered by Maven Leadership Collective!