Paris is Burning

A landmark portrait of New York’s 1980s ballroom scene. One of the most influential films in LGBTQ+ cinema history, never before screened in Lithuanian cinemas.

Never before screened in Lithuania, Jennie Livingston’s legendary documentary takes audiences into the world of Harlem’s 1980s ballroom culture – a vibrant yet complex community where marginalized people create their own rules, chosen families, and identities.

Seven years in the making, the film introduces the icons of the drag ball scene – Pepper LaBeija, Willi Ninja, Dorian Corey, Venus Xtravaganza, and many others – while revealing their dreams, ambitions, and everyday lives in a society marked by racism, homophobia, transphobia, poverty, and the AIDS crisis. Paris Is Burning captures the culture that gave rise to voguing and the queer language of expression that continues to shape contemporary culture. It is a vital testament to a community that, despite rejection and discrimination, created its own legends.

A special screening at Forum Cinemas Vingis will be introduced by Luka Mokka, a Lithuanian cabaret performer and drag artist whose work blends theatre, performance, humour and provocation. The introduction will be in Lithuanian.

Toronto International Film Festival 1990
Sundance Film Festival 1991 – Grand Jury Prize for Documentary
Berlinale 1991 — Teddy Award for Best Documentary Film
Seattle International Film Festival 1991 — Best Documentary

This film is not available online.