San Quentin prison to hold film festival; Jerry Seinfeld, Steph Curry on invite list

Several top celebrities have been invited to attend the first-ever San Quentin Film Festival which will be held inside the prison this Thursday and Friday.

The films will showcase the work of current and formerly incarcerated filmmakers, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) stated in a news release announcing the event.

The festival is designed to share the filmmakers’ emerging talent, foster mentorships and partnerships, and create pathways into the film industry, the news release stated.

Celebrity guests invited to the event included Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, Stephen Curry, and Oliva Wilde.

Also attending as part of the inaugural jury will be Jeffery Wright of “American Fiction” and “Westwood,” Billy Crudup of “The Morning Show” and “Almost Famous,” Mary-Louis Parker of “Weeds” and “Angels in America,” and Kathy Najimy of “Sister Act” and “Hocus Pocus.”

“Love of a good story is something we all share regardless of where you call home,” CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber said. “This first-ever film festival inside San Quentin Rehabilitation Center is breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and preparing incarcerated individuals to rejoin communities.”

The event won’t be the first time the prison has made headlines in the entertainment industry.

In 1969, country music legend Johnny Cash recorded a live album at the prison. And in 1990, blues guitar icon B. B. King followed with his own album.

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