Details:

I’M YOUR VENUS (2024) with filmmaker Kimberly Reed

I’M YOUR VENUS

(Kimberly Reed, 2024, approx. 85 min, digital projection)

RSVP

This moving and timely documentary sets the stage for the investigation of the unsolved murder of Venus Xtravaganza, one of the iconic stars of Paris Is Burning, the legendary 1990 documentary about drag queens in the ballroom scene of New York City. Venus died during that film’s shoot and now, 35 years later, the spotlight is back on Venus as her two families — biological and ballroom — stand united to discover the truth, challenge the system and honor the legacy of their sister. The road for justice is a difficult one as they revisit old wounds, examining every event and detail to find a path toward healing and positive change. 

Kimberly Reed’s I’m Your Venus is in many ways an extension of Paris Is Burning, as it brings to light once again the intersectionality within the trans community. While the stark and somber reality of the murder is ever-present, the film overflows with love and celebration for the life of Venus, displayed through the music and ballroom performances complete with sashays, fierce poses and death drops. Venus’ story is ultimately a cathartic journey to healing and celebrating a burning flame dimmed too soon. (Matt Dy, Tribeca Film Festival)

Presented in partnership from the MFA in Documentary Media and the Hoffman Visiting Artist Fund for Documentary.

About the guest:

DuPont and FIPRESCI Prize-winning director Kimberly Reed directed the award-winning I’M YOUR VENUS, a followup on Venus Xtravaganza from PARIS IS BURNING, which was recently released on Netflix. She directed/produced the Oscar®-shortlisted film Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr (The New Yorker), winner of Best Short Documentary at Palm Springs Shortfest and Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, among others. Kim also directed/produced DARK MONEY (PBS Distribution, Amazon Prime Video), an award-winning selection at Sundance that was promptly named one of Vogue’s 66 Best Documentaries of All Time, nominated for 4 Critics’ Choice Awards and the IDA Award for Best Documentary, won the duPont Columbia Prize, and was shortlisted for an Oscar®. Her first film PRODIGAL SONS (Sundance Channel, BBC) won 14 international awards, including the FIPRESCI Prize. Kim was named an American Film Showcase Expert, one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film” and to Out Magazine’s “Out 100.” Her films have premiered at Telluride, Sundance, BFI London and Tribeca, and have been released on HBO Max, Netflix, Amazon & PBS. Kim is a member of AMPAS, sits on the AMPAS Documentary Branch Executive Committee and Equity & Inclusion Committee, and is co-chair of the AMPAS LGBTQ+ Affinity Group.

Contact The Block Museum of Art for more information: (847) 491-4000 or email us at block-museum@northwestern.edu