PARIS IS BURNING

“All sequins sparkle, lights shimmer, details pop, voices boom, music pulsates, and queer life itself bursts with as much joy as struggle to find what joy might mean in an oppressive world.” – GQ Magazine

“It’s still as enthralling and rapturous and disarmingly truthful as it was 25 years ago, and its critiques of race, class, gender, capitalism, and the dogged pursuit of the American Dream are still relevant…” – Out Magazine

As we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Stonewall this year, the legendary children, upcoming legendary children, and divine mothers of Paris Is Burning invite you to revisit the world of the late 1980s New York underground ball circuit in this beautiful restoration of Jennie Livingston’s ground-breaking 1990 documentary, which introduced the world to vogueing, house culture, reading, shade, and a vibrant tapestry of charismatic drag queens, trans women, and queer street kids of color who infuse this landmark film with abundant glamor and palpable magic. A landmark of queer cinema, the influence of Paris can be seen throughout pop culture in RuPaul’s Drag Race, Pose, internet memes, and more. This dynamic portrait brings the marginalized voices of the ball scene heyday to the masses once again, to celebrate o-p-u-l-e-n-c-e, Xtravaganza, and the fierce power of community – with a soft glove. Everything is yours! Director Jennie Livingston (US 1990) 78 min.

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.