As the nation’s first in-prison film festival ended Friday at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC), the 2025 winners were announced. (Read the original press release.)
The festival showcased 35 films created by currently and formerly incarcerated individuals.
More than 300 people attended the event, including entertainment industry professionals, educators, and community advocates. These included Jesse Williams, Mark Anthony Green, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Reginald and Dwayne Betts.
The festival was created in 2024 by award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and author Cori Thomas, and formally incarcerated filmmaker, podcaster, and writer Rahsaan “New York” Thomas. Since its inception, participants have leveraged their media experience gained at the festival to pursue careers in the film industry after release, including earning internships and job opportunities. One former participant now works at a Bay Area start-up.
“San Quentin Film Festival 2025 built on last year’s momentum, proving once again that creativity thrives behind the walls of San Quentin. The second annual festival was a resounding success, showcasing powerful stories of redemption and artistic excellence,” said Secretary Jeff Macomber.
San Quentin Film Festival 2025 winners
- Best Feature Award: “The Sing Sing Chronicles,” Directed by Dawn Porter
- Best Documentary Short Film Award: “Oscar’s Return,” Directed by Steven Raven Liang
- Best Narrative Short Film Award: “So, Boom,” Directed by Abby Pierce
- American Documentary and Open Society Foundations Award for Short Film: “DEPRIVED: Alone, Afraid & Ashamed,” Presented to Jason Jenkins and Ryan Pagan
- Best Documentary Pitch Award: “All that Remains,” Directed by Sagal Sadiq
- Best Screenplay Pitch Award: “Uncommon Law,” Written by Larry Deminter
- Bruce Sinofsky Changemaker Award: Presented to Matt Nadel
- Elliot the G.O.A.T. Impact and Innovation Award: Presented to Reginald Dwayne Betts
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