Paris Is Burning is a documentary film that features the ball culture of New York City in the late 1980s. Directed by Jennie Livingston, it explores the lives of African American and Latino gay and transgender communities who participate in drag balls. The film is named after one of the most prominent events in this culture – the “Burning” of Paris.
What are Drag Balls?
Drag balls were a form of performance art where participants would dress up in elaborate costumes and adopt exaggerated personas. These events were organized by different houses that provided a sense of community and belonging for marginalized individuals. The balls were judged on various categories such as “realness,” “voguing,” and “face.”
The Origins of Paris Is Burning
Jennie Livingston was inspired to make the film after attending a drag ball in New York City. She was fascinated by the energy, creativity, and resilience of the performers who faced discrimination and violence in their daily lives. Livingston spent several years filming interviews with different members of the ball culture, including voguers, fashion designers, makeup artists, and drag queens.
The Meaning Behind “Paris Is Burning”
The phrase “Paris Is Burning” refers to an iconic category in drag balls called “Town and Country.” In this category, participants had to dress up as either wealthy socialites from uptown Manhattan or working-class folks from downtown neighborhoods. The goal was to create a believable character that could pass for a member of high society.
The name “Paris Is Burning” originated from an incident that happened during one of these competitions. A contestant named Paris Dupree performed so well that they received a perfect score from all judges. As a result, they were crowned the winner and awarded a cash prize.
In celebration, Paris took off their wig and threw it into the crowd. Another competitor caught the wig and set it on fire, causing a commotion in the audience.
However, Paris remained poised and continued to sashay down the runway as if nothing had happened. This moment became a defining symbol of the drag ball culture that valued resilience, creativity, and self-expression.
The Legacy of Paris Is Burning
Paris Is Burning premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1990 and received critical acclaim for its insightful portrayal of a subculture that was often overlooked or sensationalized by mainstream media. The film went on to win several awards and has since become a cult classic that continues to inspire generations of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The legacy of Paris Is Burning can be seen in popular culture today through various references and homages. For example, Madonna’s hit song “Vogue” was inspired by the voguing dance style featured in the film. The show Pose, which premiered in 2018, also pays tribute to the ball culture of New York City in the 1980s.
In conclusion, Paris Is Burning is more than just a documentary about drag balls – it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community. The name “Paris Is Burning” represents a moment of triumph for one individual that came to symbolize an entire movement. By exploring this subculture with empathy and respect, Jennie Livingston has created a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and educate audiences around the world.