Lesbian
pioneer Jewel Thais-Williams opened her iconic Catch One disco in Los Angeles in 1973 (Photo courtesy MIBFF) |
American film director C. Fitz's superb 2016 documentary
film Jewel's Catch One is about one of America’s first Black discos, Catch One, which lesbian
pioneer Jewel Thais-Williams opened in Los Angeles in 1973. The
legendary disco was a longtime sanctuary for LGBTQ people until it closed
in July 2015 after 42 years.
This film explores the iconic disco's golden years — when everybody
from Sylvester to Madonna used to hang out at "The Catch" — and the
legacy of Jewel the pioneering businesswoman and activist who fought hate and
discrimination for decades.
Talking heads in the film include Evelyn “Champagne” King,
Bonnie Pointer, Thelma Houston and Sharon Stone.
Three Dollar Bill sat down with C. Fitz on the eve of her
award-winning film’s October 1 screening at the Montreal International Black Film Festival.