Upstairs Inferno Poster

Upstairs Inferno 2015

★ 5.69 votes96 min📅 2015-11-01

"The forgotten story about the largest gay mass murder in U.S. History."

Directed by Robert L. Camina, *Upstairs Inferno* (2015) is a powerful historical documentary that uncovers one of America's most devastating yet overlooked tragedies.

Director: Robert L. Camina

Cast

Christopher Rice
Narrator (voice)
Regina Adams
Herself
Misti Ates
Herself
David Billings
Himself (as Reverend David Billings)
Bishop Paul Breton
Himself
Stewart Butler
Himself
Kevin Coakley
Himself
Clayton Delery-Edwards
Himself
Troy Perry
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Upstairs Inferno (2015) about?

This documentary revisits the devastating 1973 arson attack on the Up Stairs Lounge in New Orleans, where 32 lives were lost in a targeted hate crime. Through survivor testimonies and archival material, the film exposes the systemic silence surrounding the tragedy and its lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

Who directed Upstairs Inferno?

Robert L. Camina directed *Upstairs Inferno*, bringing a careful yet urgent approach to this harrowing historical account.

Who stars in Upstairs Inferno?

The documentary features prominent voices like Christopher Rice, Regina Adams, and Misti Ates, alongside other survivors and historians who share their perspectives on the event.

Is Upstairs Inferno (2015) worth watching?

As an unrated but meticulously researched documentary, *Upstairs Inferno* is a must-watch for its historical significance and emotional depth. While it tackles a heavy subject, its commitment to truth and remembrance makes it a standout in LGBTQ+ cinema.

How long is Upstairs Inferno?

The runtime of *Upstairs Inferno* is 96 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Upstairs Inferno (2015) — The True Story Behind America's Largest Gay Mass Murder

Directed by Robert L. Camina, *Upstairs Inferno* (2015) is a powerful historical documentary that uncovers one of America's most devastating yet overlooked tragedies. On June 24, 1973, the Up Stairs Lounge, a gay bar in New Orleans, became the site of a deliberate arson attack that claimed 32 lives—an event shrouded in silence for decades. Through archival footage and personal testimonies, the film reconstructs the harrowing night, exposing the deep-rooted stigma and systemic injustice faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the 1970s. The documentary blends somber reflection with urgency, capturing the resilience of survivors and the broader fight for visibility and equality. With a runtime of 96 minutes, it's a gripping chronicle of pain, memory, and the enduring struggle for dignity.

Robert L. Camina masterfully balances historical weight with emotional storytelling, ensuring this forgotten chapter of LGBTQ+ history is not lost to time. The film's atmosphere is heavy with grief yet illuminated by the courage of those who refused to stay silent. As Christopher Rice, Regina Adams, and other key figures share their perspectives, *Upstairs Inferno* transcends mere documentation—it becomes a call to remember and to demand justice. Available to stream or download on multiple devices, this documentary is essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the roots of queer activism in the U.S.