The first-ever San Quentin Film Festival is set to take place on October 10, 2024, within the walls of the maximum security correctional facility near San Francisco. This groundbreaking one-day event aims to foster collaboration between incarcerated individuals and the entertainment industry, providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
One of the highlights of the festival will be a screening of A24's 'Sing Sing,' featuring Colman Domingo and a cast of formerly incarcerated actors. The lineup includes new feature films depicting the prison experience, as well as short films created by incarcerated filmmakers themselves.
The festival's inception was inspired by Rahsaan Thomas, a co-host and producer of the acclaimed Ear Hustle podcast, who directed a short documentary titled 'Friendly Signs' while at San Quentin. This initiative aims to offer opportunities for creative expression and skill development that are often lacking within the prison system.
San Quentin has been home to ForwardThis, the first film and TV production job training program within a U.S. prison, since 2021. This program, funded by private donors, aligns with California Governor Gavin Newsom's advocacy for prison reform, emphasizing job training and programming to break the cycle of recidivism.
The festival, which is currently open for submissions until July 31, seeks to create pathways for incarcerated individuals to pursue careers in Hollywood. A jury of incarcerated filmmakers will evaluate the submissions, with selected films to be screened at the prison's chapel.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will feature a competition for short films by current or former incarcerated individuals, as well as a best pitch award exclusively for current San Quentin residents. Entertainment industry figures will serve as judges, aiming to provide mentorship opportunities for aspiring filmmakers.
Due to limited seating, attendance at the festival will be restricted to industry executives, filmmakers, judges, donors, and accredited press. However, a virtual screening pass will be available for the general public to view the showcased films.
The San Quentin Film Festival boasts a board of entertainment industry advisors, including prominent figures such as producer Nina Jacobson, directors Taylor Hackford and Nancy Weill, and Tribeca Film Festival CEO Jane Rosenthal. The festival is also supported by a team of dedicated coordinators, both incarcerated and recently released, who are working to make this event a success.
