
San Quentin State Prison, a facility known for its storied past, etched a new chapter into its history books by hosting the first San Quentin Film Festival yesterday and today. The landmark event featured films by current and formerly incarcerated filmmakers to bridge the gap between inmates and the entertainment industry. According to a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) announcement, the initiative was part of the agency’s California Model to transform the prison culture to foster rehabilitation and reentry readiness.
In an unprecedented show of talent behind bars, the festival drew an array of guests from the entertainment industry, including big names like Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, Stephen Curry, and Olivia Wilde. Governor Gavin Newsom expressed deep pride in the initiative, stating via the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, “The California Model is about providing incarcerated people with the tools they need to rebuild their lives and reenter communities safely. I am proud to see this groundbreaking film festival inside of San Quentin – and grateful for the communities both inside and outside – from CDCR staff to the community-based organizations – who have worked together to make it happen.”
The first day of the event showcased final entries in the Narrative and Documentary film categories, featuring highlights like "Sing Sing," a drama directed by Greg Kwedar which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and was released in the United States on July 12. The festival continued on the second day with screenings of short features and panel discussions, capped by the Netflix documentary "Daughters," according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which won acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival earlier in the year.
The festival jury included accomplished actors like Jeffrey Wright, Billy Crudup, Mary-Louise Parker, and Kathy Najimy, whose presence underscored the event’s potential to reshape narratives around incarcerated individuals. CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber highlighted the communal aspect of storytelling, saying through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, “Love of a good story is something we all share regardless of where you call home. This first-ever film festival inside San Quentin Rehabilitation Center is breaking barriers, creating opportunities and preparing incarcerated individuals to rejoin communities.”