Inmates in Netflix's The Quilters discover solace and camaraderie through the art of quilting within a correctional facility.
Rewritten Article
Movie-buff Jenifer McShane ventured into the heart of Missouri's South Central Correctional Centre, a maximum-security facility south of St. Louis, to craft her second documentary focusing on an atypical gang of prisoners. This time, she shine a light on the quilting circle that resides within the Level 5 prison in Licking, Missouri.
In her talking about the experience, McShane revealed the instructional lesson she learned when screening a film in a high-security prison like this one. She mentioned a "rookie mistake" she made during the screening. "I was about to go darken the room—you always watch a movie with the lights off, right?" McShane said, laughing. "Well, that's not the done thing in a max prison. They all barked, 'Jen! No, no, no!'"
Despite her faux pas, McShane expressed that the screening was among the most emotionally powerful she'd ever witnessed. She explained, "They were absolutely captivated and couldn't get enough. They appreciated what I was trying to achieve."
Set to premiere on Netflix on May 16, The Quilters earned multiple awards at film festivals since the previous year and has been making waves in the industry.
McShane's work unveils the transformative power of art in the daily lives of these inmates. Not only does quilting provide a creative outlet, but it also grants them the opportunity to offer comfort and warmth to foster children in the surrounding counties through their carefully crafted quilts.
In a windowless sewing room deep within the prison, these incarcerated men collaborate and build bonds, creating intricate pieces that radiate with their ingenuity and craftsmanship. McShane's unprecedented access to this setting grants viewers a captivating glimpse into the inmates' efforts and the heartfelt connections they forge.
Apart from screenings at various film festivals, the film was also shown at locations relevant to the story, such as the South Central Correctional Centre itself, fostering a striking and genuine cinematic experience for those participating in or connected to the quilting program. McShane took the opportunity to engage with audiences during Q&A sessions, such as at the Guilford Free Library, further sparking conversation around the film's themes and the inmates' experiences.
The Quilters received worldwide acclaim, nabbing numerous awards at film festivals, being shortlisted for the Documentary Short Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, and securing a deal with Netflix for a global streaming premiere in May 2025. Beyond its intriguing subject matter, the film stands out for its unique delivery – directly impacting the prison community through its engaging and poignant storytelling.
Jenifer McShane's documentary, 'The Quilters', showcases the fusion of lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty within a unique setting, as it highlights the intricate quilting works created by inmates in a maximum-security prison. Additionally, the film underscores the transformative power of art in home-and-garden projects, as the quilts produced by these inmates offer comfort and warmth to foster children in surrounding counties.
