New Documentary Sheds Light On Largely Forgotten Piece of Chicago History
WDCB’S Gary Zidek sits down with filmmaker Harriet Marin Jones to talk about her new documentary, KING OF KINGS: CHASING EDWARD JONES.
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“I don’t know that a lot of people know that African-Americans were behind (the idea) for the lottery. And there are many other things that I think people will learn by watching this film. For me, it was very important to it as documentary, but treat (the film) as a thriller.” - KING OF KINGS director Harriet Marin Jones talking about what she hopes audiences take away from her documentary.
Harriet Marin Jones
A new documentary. that made its world premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival, shines a light on the largely unknown story of a group of brothers who made untold millions thought an underground numbers operation. KING OF KINGS: CHASING EDWARD JONES highlights the rise and fall of the Chicago-based family while also exploring larger socio-economic, ethical and race-related themes. Edward Jones and his two brothers were known as policy kings, they operated a lottery-like gambling operation called “policy” that largely catered to African-Americans on the southside of Chicago. The illegal enterprise was immensely successful, the Jones’ brothers, who were African-American, amassed a multi-million dollar fortune in the 1930s. Of course the massive amounts of money drew some unwanted attention and eventually led to the family’s fall from grace. The documentary comes from Paris-based filmmaker Harriet Marin Jones, the granddaughter of the titular Edward Jones.
The Jones family tree
KING OF KINGS won the Chicago Award at this year’s Chicago International Film festival. The film is seeking distribution, you can find more information at en.kingofkings-film.com
Quincy Jones & Harriet Marin Jones
