Jewel's Catch One
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In 1973, Jewel Thais-Williams invested her last $500 in a ground floor bar in an unfashionable corner of Los Angeles. The idea that an openly gay black woman could be a business owner was near unthinkable at the time. Yet within two years, Jewel owned the whole building, converting the first floor into ‘Catch One’ nightclub, a sanctuary for LA’s black LGBT community which earned it the moniker ‘the Studio 54 of the West Coast’. The story of this club, which thrived for an extraordinarily long 42 years, is presented with verve and passion. Archive footage is interspersed by interviews with celebrity frequenters Sharon Stone, Madonna, Thelma Houston, Sandra Bernhard and Bonnie Pointer. But the true heart of the film lies in the portrait that emerges of Jewel – a community leader and activist who continues to dedicate her life to helping others.
— BFI London Film Festival |
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“Though some audiences may come to the film for the music of the time or the sentimental value the Catch may possess, 10 minutes in, they’ll be introduced to…Jewel, and how she gave of herself…When they wake up the next day, they’ll be inspired to do something in their own neighborhood, something to better the world.”
— The Los Angeles Times
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“…this movie was a trip to another time and yet with these issues still so much in the news, it is quite relevant today…and the audience gave a standing ovation…”
— Cape Code Wave Magazine |
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“…a lot of loving and living [packed] into one documentary, but it’s done brilliantly. If you can, you don’t want to miss out on taking in the story of this trailblazer.”
— AfterEllen |
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Watch a video interview with Jewel Thais-Williams and director C. Fitz on
CNN International |
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Watch a video interview with Jewel Thais-Williams and director C. Fitz on Good Day LA (Fox) |
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2016 | USA | 85 min.
Writer & Director C. Fitz
Producer C. Fitz
Executive Producers C. Fitz, Jewel Thais-Williams
Co-Producers Carmen Quiros, Stephanie Lincoln
Consulting Producer Tracy Mercer
Associate Producers Paul Fitzgerald, Jr., Pat Branch
Editors Kyra Dunn, Mike Darrow
Music Bonnie Pointer, Thelma Houston, Andra Day, KC and the Sunshine Band, Sylvester, Jennifer Holiday, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Thea Austin (Snap!), Peaches & Herb
Cast Sharon Stone, Madonna, Thelma Houston, Sandra Bernhard, Representative Maxine Waters, Jenifer Lewis, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Thea Austin, Bonnie Pointer
Narrated by CCH Pounder
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ABOUT THE FILM:
JEWEL’S CATCH ONE celebrates the legacy of a legendary Los Angeles nightclub, Catch One, and the life-changing impact its owner, Jewel Thais-Williams, had on her community Breaking down racial and cultural barriers and building the oldest black owned disco in America, Jewel’s story celebrates music, fashion, celebrities and activism that helped changed the course of our country.
The Catch became known as the unofficial "Studio 54 of the West Coast," infamous for being a welcoming place for people of all colors and backgrounds as Jewel fought tirelessly against racism, homophobia and hate for over 4 decades.
The club also served as a community center during the AIDS crisis as Jewel built organizations such as The AIDS MINORITY PROJECT and RUE’s HOUSE (first shelter for women with AIDS and their children). This documentary is packed with 40 years of music, untold history and exclusive interviews with celebrities, politicians, and people who were touched by Jewel’s community activism and vision to make Los Angeles a better city for everyone who lived there.
FESTIVALS
2016: Provincetown, Outfest, Urbanworld, BFI London
SALES TERRITORIES
The World
Download Press Kit
MORE INFO:
thedancingpictures.com
Email us for screeners or streaming links. |
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