Films, News, Trailers, Women Directors

Trailer Watch: “Jewel’s Catch One” Offers a Look Into America’s Oldest Black-Owned Disco Club

“Jewel’s Catch One”

Jewel’s Catch One “offered a place where any and everybody could come,” and now a new doc is exploring how that inclusive environment became the stuff of legend. A trailer had dropped for C. Fitz’s “Jewel’s Catch One,” a look inside the oldest black-owned disco in the U.S.

“At the time that we opened there was still an abundance of racism,” says owner and activist Jewel Thais-Williams in the spot. The dance bar first opened its doors in 1973.

Known for its eclectic clientele which included men and women of all nationalities and sexual orientations, the club offered a party where everyone was invited.

“Jewel Thais-Williams relentlessly opened her arms to do more for her community, and, still to this day, has not stopped serving those that need her,” Fitz told us. “She was the only voice for black people, and especially gay black people, in the ’80s and ’90s that needed a safe haven, as well as healing and funding. Somehow, while building a nightclub, Catch One, she started a revolution by protecting her community that was grossly under-served by city and national authorities.”

Fitz emphasized, “After watching our film, I’ve always wanted people to feel inspired and empowered that they can do more in their corner of the planet — like Jewel did — and that they can help change history right now.”

“Jewel’s Catch One” is being released by ARRAY, the inclusive film distribution collaborative founded by “A Wrinkle in Time” helmer Ava DuVernay.

Fitz’s previous credits include “Rancid,” “No More Roses,” and “ShowGirls, Provincetown, MA.”

“Jewel’s Catch One” hits Netflix May 1. You can find more screening info on ARRAY’s website.

Check out the trailer to see how the club got its name.


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