2017 PS Film Festival
film synopsis
When the disco Catch One opened on the corner of Pico and Crenshaw in 1973, it provided a haven for the black and brown queer community in L.A., who got the cold shoulder at West Hollywood's clubs. It was a place where "everybody was welcome," as its indefatigable founder, Jewel Thais-Williams explains. And the club ruled for over 40 years, despite frequent police raids, a suspected arson that closed Catch One for two years, and the AIDS crisis that felled so many of its regulars. It became the hip haunt for such celebrities as Sharon Stone (interviewed in the film), Madonna, Sandra Bernhard and Sylvester.
First and foremost, C. Fitz's rousing documentary is a portrait of the remarkable woman who kept Catch One alive against all odds, surviving her own crisis with drugs and alcohol in the 1980s to become an inspiring political activist, philanthropist and healer. Paying tribute are such disco divas as Thelma Houston, Evelyn "Champagne" King and Bonnie Pointer. Jewel herself will be here to join in the celebration.
film details
guests in attendance
C. Fitz – Director (January 7 & 8 only)
Sharon Stone – Cast (January 7 only)
Jewel Thais-Williams – Cast (January 7 & 8 only)
Thea Austin – Cast