The California prison used to house some of the state’s most violent criminals, but has become more known lately for creative pursuits.

History was made Thursday at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center where what’s believed to be the first major film festival ever held within a prison’s got off to a joyous start. The two-day San Quentin Film Festival has been a labor of love for founders and festival directors Cori Thomas and Rahsaan “New York” Thomas (no relation),

A24's 'Sing Sing' and Netflix's 'Daughters' screened alongside films from incarcerated directors at the event, where the red carpet took place in the courtyard below California's recently closed death row,