WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: With words more familiar with a movie set – that’s a wrap – the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center made history with the completion of the first-ever in-prison film festival. The San Quentin Film Festival 2024 (SQFF24) garnered attention unlike the typical coverage of prisons as seen in The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and the New York Times. This unique event showcased the creative talents of current and previous incarcerated filmmakers, offering a powerful platform for self-expression and storytelling from within the prison walls.
“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. 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.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
BIGGER PICTURE: Recognizing films in nine categories, the festival not only bridged the gap between incarcerated and the broader community, but also marked a pivotal moment in the intersection of rehabilitation and artistic innovation. The event is part of CDCR’s California Model approach, a system-wide change within CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS).
SEE HIGHLIGHTS OF SQFF24 HERE: SQFF24 B-ROLL
“We are transforming prisons with the California Model and the SQFF24 shows Hollywood is not out of reach. In fact, storytelling unites us and helps strengthen our communities inside and outside California’s institutions. Overcoming the challenges and adversity of filmmaking will help incarcerated individuals find creative ways to transition to the world outside prison walls.”
Jeff Macomber, Secretary CDCR
FILM FESTIVAL DETAILS: SQFF24 Founders and Co-Directors are award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and author Cori Thomas (Lockdown, When January Feels Like Summer), and (no relation) formally incarcerated filmmaker, podcast and writer Rahsaan “New York” Thomas (Friendly Signs, What These Walls Won’t Hold).
See Thomas’ interview here.
- SAN QUENTIN FILM FESTIVAL
- San Quentin Film Festival (@sanquentinff) • Instagram photos and videos
- CACorrections (@cacorrections) • Instagram photos and videos
Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld attend SQFF24
Actress and activist Kerry Washington takes the stage at SQFF24
Comic and TV host Kamau Bell addressed the audience at SQFF24
WHAT THE MEDIA IS SAYING ABOUT THE INAGURAL SQFF24
FESTIVAL WINNERS:
Best Feature: The Strike” – Directed by Joebill Munoz & Lucus Guilkey
Best Documentary Short: “Healing Through Hula” – Directed by incarcerated individual Louis Sale
Best Narrative Short: “In the Matchbox” – Directed by Mike Rae Anderson
Best Screen Play Pitch: “Exodus” – written by incarcerated individual, Todd A. Todd A. Winkler
Best Documentary Pitch: “The History of San Quentin News and Prison Journalism in the United States” – Written by incarcerated individual, Kevin D. Sawyer. Kevin D. Sawyer
The Bruce Sinofsky Changemarker Award: “Daughters” – Directed by Natalie Rae, Angela Patton and Chad Morris.
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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct 14, 2024
CONTACT OPEC: OPEC@cdcr.ca.gov
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