Paris is Burning

A documentary on New York’s ballroom scene, where queer and trans performers celebrate identity, family and spectacle.

Queer Flicks is a series of LGBTIQA+ film favourites presented in a welcoming space for community connection.  The series continues on the first Thursday of every month.

6:00 PM - Doors open for mingling, drinks and entertainment.
7:00 PM - Film screening 

1990 | M | 78 mins | D: Jennie Livingston

Documenting New York’s ballroom scene in the 1980s, Paris Is Burning centres around Black and Latinx LGBTQIA+ communities working side by side to build the worlds of glamour, competition and chosen family in the face of poverty, racism and homophobia. Through candid interviews and electrifying performances, the film explores race, class, gender and aspiration with urgency and compassion.

‘A film of extraordinary intimacy and impact.’ — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun‑Times

Paris is Burning is part of the NFSA collection.