"Filmed over seven years, Paris is Burning follows queer men and trans women of colour who illuminated the ballroom scene with shade, fashion and fierce voguing. Jennie Livingston's documentary follows the lives of members of the community, revealing the poverty, racism and homophobia they faced. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the origins of modern ballroom culture and the resilience of marginalised communities. It also touches on issues that remain prevalent today."
"However, the film isn't without controversy. Livingston, a white filmmaker, has been accused of voyeurism and of exploiting a community that was both societally and economically underprivileged. After the film grossed almost $4 million (approximately £2.6 million at the time), producers divided $55,000 (£36,500) among 13 participants who had sought a share of the profits. Livingston has maintained that in subjects in documentaries are not paid, and her own share of the profits was not enough to make her rich."
"Investigative journalist David France's documentary follows the mysterious death of trans activist Johnson, whose body was found floating in New York's Hudson River shortly after a Pride parade in 1992. The documentary delves into her activism and friendship with fellow activist Sylvia Rivera and their often-unreported roles in the Stonewall riots. They also founded the world's first transgender organisation, Street Transvestites Action Revolutionaries, in 1970."
Black History Month is celebrated every October and has been an annual event in the US since the 1920s and in the UK since 1987. It provides the opportunity to celebrate, reflect on and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture which has often been overlooked by society. Paris is Burning, filmed over seven years, follows queer men and trans women of colour in the ballroom scene and reveals the poverty, racism and homophobia they faced, while also prompting controversy over representation and profit distribution. The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson investigates Johnson's mysterious death and documents her activism, friendship with Sylvia Rivera, and founding of Street Transvestites Action Revolutionaries.
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