Writer and director Ava DuVernay is a champion of inclusive filmmaking. Her films and TV projects not only mirror the diversity of real life, but she also advocates and supports the work of women and artists of color through her film distribution company, Array.
In addition to releasing DuVernay’s films, like I Will Follow and Middle of Nowhere, Array has also released a wide range of features and documentaries, including Teach Us All, Honeytrap, The House of Coco Road, and the Jamaican drama, Better Mus’ Come. Up next, Array’s next release, Jewel’s Catch One, tells a little-known story that deserves to be heard.
Directed by C. Fitz, Jewel’s Catch One “explores the legacy of America’s oldest Black-owned disco club as well as the life of businesswoman and activist, Jewel Thais-Williams, who provided safe spaces for the LGBTQ, Black and AIDS-impacted communities in Los Angeles for four decades,” as noted in a statement.
The film features interviews with Sharon Stone, Thelma Houston, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Madonna, Sandra Bernhard, Thea Austin, Jenifer Lewis, Representative Maxine Waters and Bonnie Pointer. The documentary is also narrated by acclaimed actor CCH Pounder.
Before its debut on Netflix on May 1, audiences in New York and Los Angeles will be able to see Jewel’s Catch One at screenings at the Pacific Design Center in L.A. on Saturday, April 28th, and at ImageNation’s RAW Space in NYC on May 2.
Check out an exclusive look at the trailer for the film, which will be available on Netflix on May 1.
