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Paris Is Burning

“Having a ball… Wish you were here”

1991 · 1 h 18 min
Directed by Jennie Livingston · USA · American Independent Cinema · New Queer Cinema
DocumentaryHistory

Where to watch in the United States: Stream: HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max · Free: Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, Plex, Plex Channel, Tubi TV · Rent: Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home · Buy: Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home. Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDB; availability changes.

Cast

Brooke Xtravaganza André Christian Dorian Corey Paris Duprée Pepper LaBeija Junior LaBeija

Credits

Produced by: Jennie Livingston

Plot

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.

Sinekatalog’s take

A vivid and moving record of Harlem's ball culture, where chosen families, glamour and survival are bound together. The interviews are funny, wise and sometimes heartbreaking. Essential viewing for anyone interested in performance, identity or the roots of modern pop culture.Sinekatalog’s own editorial review – not a user or critic quote.

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Ratings

IMDb: 8.2 / 10 (21,769 votes)
IMDb rating and vote count from the IMDb ratings dataset (October 2026). Scores change over time.

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