Paris Is Burning (1990)

Paris is burning participant in the upmarket shopping mall An interesting documentary-style film about the style and fashion competitions favoured by gay black men in America. It was much more informative and entertaining than I expected; and not all the transgender people are drag queens. And there are also a large number of style choices other than transgender, of course


Another talks to the camera in her bedroom The film cuts between narrative pieces to camera by the participants in the "scene" and live action from competitive fashion shows.


On the catwalk Study the credits at the end carefully; they take ages; 16 production assistants; two firms of legal advisers; most of the actors are the real life participants, of course. The film was partly funded by the BBC and countless US charitable and public service organisations. The film is nothing to do with Paris France, by the way.

HF 1999


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