QUEER CINEMA CLUB presents PARIS IS BURNING

Every month at the gloriously restored Paradise Theatre, curator and host Peter Knegt will be offering queers (and anyone who loves them) a classic queer film, special guests and performers, and then — after the show — some good old fashioned drinks and conversation in the Paradise’s stunning lobby bar. Each film will be paired with a different local queer artist, who will design an original poster for the screening.

This October, we are going to have a ball with the wildly iconic 1990 documentary Paris is Burning. Set the New York City ballroom scene of the late 1980s, the film is an undeniable queer classic that offers a window into a world that has been so extraordinarily influential in everything from RuPaul’s Drag Race to Beyonce’s Renaissance.

Directed by Jennie Livington, Paris is Burning was shot over 6 years in the 1980s, and explores the elaborate ball competitions going on at the time. Incredible footage of the balls alternates with prominent members of the scene and names we should never forget: Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, Angie Xtravaganza, Will Ninja. These legends managed to find joy and community in their scene while they were dealing with everything from AIDS to racism to poverty to homophobic and transphobic violence. And we are so excited to celebrate them at Queer Cinema Club.

The night will include a special performance the incredible Miss Bangcock as well as… a contest. The category is queer cinema realness and you should come dressed as your favourite queer character from film history. Prizes will be handed out the top 3.(And feel free to re-use that costume for Halloween a week later!).

The event's stunning poster -- which will be available for sale at the screening - was created by artist Ayo Tsalithaba. Tickets will be available soon! Let’s have a ball!