Paris is Burning
This American documentary is the mother lode of all drag references. Set in the late 1980s, this iconic production, directed by Jennie Livingston, focuses on the Drag community in New York City, “House culture” and the Harlem Drag Ball scene which offers a sense of community, family, and support for the extravagant and socially shunned performers. Groups from each house, also known as Drag families, compete in flamboyant balls that take cues from the fashion world.
The documentary film also touches on important issues such as racism and poverty through interviews with several inspiring Queens such as Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija and Dorian Corey. If you haven’t already, this is definitely a must-watch. And if you have … well, then take this as a sign to watch it again.
Release Date: 5th January 2007
Running Time: 76 minutes
Genre: documentary
Certificate: 15
Where can you watch?
You can catch Paris is Burning on Amazon Prime
GiGi rates: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆