Paris is Burning

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, the film is 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. Special encore screening of Pearson Kunz’s latest short Blossoms (19 minutes) before the feature. Director: Jennie Livingston Year: 1990 Country: USA Runtime: 78 minutes Event link: https://cstpdx.com/event/paris-is-burning-3/

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