JEWEL'S CATCH ONE, directed by filmmaker C. Fitz, pays tribute to the remarkable history of a notable Los Angeles nightclub, Catch One, and showcases the profound influence of its owner, Jewel Thais-Williams, on her community. This documentary highlights how Jewel shattered racial and cultural barriers, establishing the oldest black-owned disco in America. Her journey intertwines elements of music, fashion, celebrity culture, and activism, providing a narrative that significantly altered the trajectory of our nation.
As one of the first safe havens for marginalized groups, Catch One also became a sanctuary for many during the AIDS crisis. Over time, the club garnered a reputation as the unofficial "Studio 54 of the West Coast," welcoming countless individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking acceptance and refuge.
However, as the club's popularity soared in the late 1970s and 1980s, so did opposition. In 1985, amid the devastating AIDS epidemic, Jewel’s Catch One fell victim to arson. Despite the challenges—a roof gone and a cash offer declined—Jewel resolutely pledged to reconstruct the beloved venue. Yet, her journey was fraught with resistance, even from the very city she cherished. Jewel Thais-Williams emerged as a national beacon for standing against discrimination, devoting over four decades to combat racism, homophobia, and injustice while ensuring that Catch One remained a welcoming space for all.
Throughout the years, Jewel founded notable organizations like The MINORITY AIDS PROJECT and RUE's HOUSE, the first shelter for women with AIDS and their children—co-created with Rue Thais-Williams. Later, she initiated her own non-profit health clinic, The Village Health Foundation, located next to the club. In 2015, Jewel made the decision to sell both buildings but continued her mission by relocating The Village Health Foundation down the street.
This compelling documentary encapsulates four decades of music alongside significant Black and LGBTQ history, enriched with exclusive interviews featuring celebrities, politicians, and individuals positively affected by the transformative activism that transpired at the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Norton Street. Ultimately, this is not only the story of how one woman ignited change but also the narrative of countless lives that found a home at Catch One.
Music by: Bonnie Pointer, Thelma Houston, Andra Day, KC and the Sunshine Band, Sylvester, Jennifer Holiday, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Thea Austin, and Peaches & Herb.
