Paris Is Burning Jennie Livingston

livingston s documentary new york gay , transgender black , latino ball culture won 1991 sundance grand jury prize , key film both in emerging american independent film movement , in nascent new queer cinema. paris burning 1 of miramax films earliest successes, , helped pave way current crop of commercially successful documentary films. 1 of best films of 1991 according los angeles times, time magazine, washington post, , npr; new york magazine, in 2008 40th anniversary edition, called film 1 of influential cultural works come out of new york city in 40 years.

several of heavily featured performers wished sue in 1991 share of film s profits. paris dupree sought largest settlement $40 million unauthorized use of ball. dupree , others said deceived film s purpose , wanted compensation. producers stated had planned on compensating principal participants. dropped claims after attorneys confirmed had signed releases. producers distributed approximately $55,000 among 13 of participants.