ROCKLAND — The Criterion Series, a monthly film series sponsored by The Criterion Collection, continues with a screening of Paris Is Burning (1990) on Sunday, June 9, at 2 p.m. This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City’s African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. 

Criterion Series films are hosted in person by TCM (Turner Classic Movies) film presenter, and Strand Board Member, Alicia Malone or House Manager Liz McLeod.

Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is “throwing shade”? Made over seven years, Paris Is Burning offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion “houses,” from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty.

“Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza — Paris Is Burning brings it, celebrating the joy of movement, the force of eloquence, and the draw of community,” said the Strand, in a news release.

The film is directed by Jennie Livingston, and is rated R.

The Criterion Collection, a film distribution company, was established in 1984 with a mission to preserve important classic and independent films from around the world and make them available to watch in analog and digital formats. A supporter of community movie theaters, The Criterion Collection is sponsoring a year-long series of films at the Strand that will allow the theater to screen a wide range of acclaimed, hard-to-see movies for our local audience.

Tickets are $8/Matinee Admission, $7/Strand Members, and will be available at the box office 30 minutes prior to show time.

For more information, visit www.rocklandstrand.com or call (207) 594-0070 EX 3.

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main St., Rockland.