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Deep Dive: Upstairs Inferno (2015)

Film Lens

Upstairs Inferno
The documentary 'Upstairs Inferno' recounts the tragic arson attack on the Up Stairs Lounge, a gay bar in New Orleans, on June 24, 1973. This event is recognized as the largest gay mass murder in U.S. history, resulting in significant loss of life and a profound impact on the LGBTQ+ community. The film presents personal testimonies from survivors and archival footage to illustrate the events of that night and the societal attitudes towards homosexuality in the 1970s. In addition to detailing the horrific attack, 'Upstairs Inferno' examines the aftermath, including the struggle for justice and recognition faced by the victims and their families. The documentary serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the historical context of homophobia in America, making it a significant piece of documentary filmmaking that addresses both personal and collective trauma.

Why Watch

  • •Meet survivors sharing their personal stories.
  • •Find out about the Up Stairs Lounge tragedy.
  • •See archival footage from the 1970s.

Did You Know

•The Up Stairs Lounge fire occurred on June 24, 1973.
•The attack resulted in the largest gay mass murder in U.S. history.
•The film's director is Robert L. Camina.
•The documentary has a runtime of 96 minutes.

Perfect For

LGBTQ+ historyTrue crime enthusiastsSocial justice advocates