California Model, Inside CDCR Video, Rehabilitation

Cinematic first: San Quentin Film Festival now streaming

October 23, 2024

Kerry Washington, left, speaks with Rashaan Thomas, founder and co-director of the film festival.

If you missed it, there’s still time to catch the groundbreaking San Quentin Film Festival, now streaming on Eventive until Oct. 29. This historic event marked the first-ever film festival held inside a U.S. prison.

The two-day festival showcased work from current and previously incarcerated filmmakers and demonstrated the power of artistic innovation on rehabilitation.

Watch the video (story continues below):

Film festival is part of California Model effort

The event was part of CDCR’s California Model approach, a system-wide change within CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS). It draws on national and international best practices to change culture within our prisons and improve our correctional environment through staff training, tools, and resources that promote the health and well-being of those who work and live in prisons.

The California Model aims to provide a safer environment where staff want to go to work and add value which will reduce the trauma and toxic stress experienced daily.

“The California Model is about providing incarcerated people with the tools they need to rebuild their lives and reenter communities safely. When we open the door to true rehabilitation and healing – it makes all of us safer,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “I thank the organizers and participants – from those incarcerated and CDCR staff to the artists, filmmakers, and industry professionals – who worked together to make history through this incredible groundbreaking event.”

The festival awards

Awards were presented in nine categories, including the International Documentary Association (IDA) award presented to B. “Raheem” Ballard for “Dying Alone.” Ballard missed receiving his award because he was attending his parole hearing, where he received the news that he was suitable for parole.

W. Kamau Bell speaks into a microphone at San Quentin. — W. Kamau Bell, comedian, at the festival.

Jerry Seinfeld and a woman at the San Quentin Film Festival. — W. Kamau Bell, comedian, at the festival.

“Without a doubt, the best part of the day was us all finding out that one of the filmmakers, B. ‘Raheem’ Ballard, was suitable for parole while he was winning multiple awards,” said comedian W. Kamau Bell on Instagram. “The whole place stood up and applauded and cheered for him. He gave a speech and then ran off stage to call his family. An incredibly powerful and unique day.”

Scott Budnick, executive producer of “The Hangover” and a member of the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Advisory Council, was in attendance and provided awards to two San Quentin Rehabilitation incarcerated persons: Kevin D. Sawyer for Best Documentary Film Pitch, and Todd A. Winkler for Best Screen Play Pitch.

“To me, my hope is that everyone feels human, that the guys in here feel seen, they feel appreciated, that they are starting to master their craft as filmmakers,” said Budnick.

FESTIVAL WINNERS

Incarcerated person holds award alongside a film festival volunteer. — Todd Winkler, one of the winners, with Scott Budnick.

An incarcerated person with Scott Budnick at San Quentin Film Festival 2024. — Todd Winkler, one of the winners, with Scott Budnick.

Award for Best Feature: “The Strike” – Directed by Joebill Munoz & Lucus Guilkey

Best Documentary Short award: “Healing Through Hula” – Directed by incarcerated individual Louis Sale

Award Best Narrative Short: “In the Matchbox” – Directed by Mike Rae Anderson

Best Screen Play Pitch award: “Exodus” – written by incarcerated individual Todd A. Winkler (Read the post and his comments on Instagram)

Best Documentary Pitch award: “The History of San Quentin News and Prison Journalism in the United States” – Written by incarcerated individual, Kevin D. Sawyer. (Read the post and his comments on Instagram.)

The Bruce Sinofsky Changemaker Award: “Daughters” – Directed by Natalie Rae, Angela Patton and Chad Morris. (Read the post on Instagram.)

IDA Supported Artist Award: “Dying Alone” – Directed by incarcerated individual B. “Raheem” Ballard

American Documentary POV Award: “Dying Alone” – Directed by incarcerated individual B. “Raheem” Ballard

Elliot the G.O.A.T Impact & and Innovation Award: “Sing Sing” – presented to Greg Kwedar, Clint Bentley, and Monique Walton