An unblinking behind the scenes story of fashion obsessed New Yorkers who created “voguing” and drag balls, and turned these raucous celebrations into a powerful expression of personal pride. The world within a world is instantly familiar, filled with ambitions, desires and yearnings that reflect America itself. The film also explores issues such as racism, homophobia and AIDS, in an intimate portrait of an urban community in which the allure of high fashion, status and wealth becomes an affirmation of love, acceptance and joy.

Featured Clips

• 02:09

  Paris Is Burning - Categories

  Members of the ball circuit explain various categories of ball competition, including military and high fashion eveningwear. In this scene: Dorian Corey (Dorian Corey)
• 01:50

  Paris Is Burning - The Street Element

  Angie Xtravaganza describes the dangers of being a transexual in New York City and the tragic consequences that sometimes come of it. In this scene: Angie Xtravaganza (Angie Xtravaganza)
• 03:39

  Paris Is Burning - Your Son is a Woman

  Pepper LaBeija and Venus Extravaganza describe their volatile relationships with their families. In this scene: Pepper LaBeija (Pepper LaBeija), Venus Extravaganza (Venus Extravaganza)
• 01:22

  Paris Is Burning - Ball

  Members of the gay and drag communities describe the meanings and benefits of holding a ball. In this scene: Octavia Saint Laurent (Octavia Saint Laurent)
• 01:48

  Paris Is Burning - House Mothers

  Pepper LaBeija and Willi Ninja break down the role and responsibilities of being a house mother. In this scene: Angie Xtravaganza (Angie Xtravaganza), Willi Ninja (Willi Ninja), Pepper LaBeija (Pepper LaBeija)
• 01:22

  Paris Is Burning - Emulation

  Pepper LaBeija breaks down his views on members of the drag ball circuit getting a sex change. In this scene: Pepper LaBeija (Pepper LaBeija)
• 01:12

  Paris Is Burning - Somebody

  Octavia Saint Laurent details her hopes and dreams for the future, including fame, money, and a sex change. In this scene: Octavia Saint Laurent (Octavia Saint Laurent)
• 03:06

  Paris Is Burning - A Small Fame

  While dressing, Dorian Corey explains the high of performing in the ball circuit. In this scene: Dorian Corey (Dorian Corey)
• 02:05

  Paris Is Burning - House

  Members of various houses of the ball circuit, referred to as "gay street gangs," describe their newfound families. In this scene: Octavia Saint Laurent (Octavia Saint Laurent)
• 02:30

  Paris Is Burning - Legendary

  While working on her latest costume, Kim Pendavis breaks down why she performs in balls. In this scene: Kim Pendavis (Kim Pendavis), Octavia Saint Laurent (Octavia Saint Laurent)