Watch Upstairs Inferno

Upstairs Inferno is a 2015 documentary film directed by Robert L. Camina. The film narrates the tragic incident that took place on June 24, 1973, in a gay bar in New Orleans, Louisiana. The story of the Upstairs Lounge tragedy, as it came to be known, is a dark chapter in American LGBTQ+ history. The film features a mix of archival footage, interviews with survivors, witnesses, and relatives of the victims, and dramatic reenactments. The cast includes Christopher Rice, Regina Adams, Misti Ates, and many others.

The Upstairs Lounge was a popular gay bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the early 1970s. The bar was located on the second floor of a building on Chartres Street, and its entrance was hidden behind an unmarked door. As such, it was a refuge for the city's LGBTQ+ community, who were often ostracized and discriminated against.

On the night of June 24, 1973, a fire broke out in the Upstairs Lounge. Fifty-eight people were inside the bar at the time, and many were trapped by the flames and smoke. The fire department arrived quickly, but the damage had already been done. Thirty-two people were killed in the fire, and several others were injured.

The Upstairs Lounge tragedy was a devastating blow to the already marginalized LGBTQ+ community in New Orleans. The crime scene was marred by anti-gay graffiti, and some religious leaders and politicians made insensitive comments about the victims. The police investigation was lackluster, and the case was largely forgotten by the mainstream media.

Upstairs Inferno is an attempt to shed light on this forgotten chapter of LGBTQ+ history. The film contextualizes the tragedy within the broader social and political landscape of the 1970s, when homosexuality was still considered taboo and criminalized in many states. The film highlights the resilience and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of adversity, as well as the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance.

The film features interviews with survivors of the fire, who recount their harrowing experiences and reflect on the impact of the tragedy on their lives. The survivors also talk about the stigma and discrimination that they faced in the aftermath of the fire, as well as their efforts to heal and rebuild their community.

The film also includes interviews with relatives of the victims, who share their grief and reflect on the legacy of their loved ones. The film highlights the lost potential of the victims, many of whom were young, talented, and passionate about their art or activism.

Upstairs Inferno is a powerful and poignant film that honors the memory of the victims of the Upstairs Lounge tragedy. The film is not only a historical document but also a call to action for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. The film reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and solidarity in building a more inclusive and just society.

Upstairs Inferno is a 2015 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.