Critics Choice Award Nominee for Best First Documentary Feature and winner of over a dozen film festivals awards, 26.2 to Lifeexplores the transformative power of San Quentin State Prison's 1000 Mile Club, in which incarcerated men train for and run an annual marathon on the dirt and concrete path circling the prison yard. Through intimate access behind the walls of the infamous correctional facility, the film confronts the meaning of personal transformation within the greater crisis of the American carceral state.
In addition to the film accolades, the film has had real social impact. Participation in the 1000 Mile Club has exploded and The New York Times reports, “The documentary has led droves of runners asking to be volunteer coaches."
With the 0% recidivism rate among the released members of the club, government officials are using the film to create political will for prison reform, screening at highest levels of California State Government, state legislators, Board of Parole and earning the endorsement of Bryan Stevenson/Equal Justice Initiative.
Due to the overwhelming positive response, we're on the precipice of a giant step of a game-changer: an Oscar nomination. This would open countless opportunities for community conversation and systemic change. With the win, we would evolve into a non-profit to start new prison running clubs across the country.
But we need your help.
We have to get the film in front of the right people through special screenings, which takes capital. While every film in contention is backed by a studio, we are the only true independent. That's why we're asking for help with the final $25,000, which will pay for screenings, travel and marketing costs to increase our visibility.
NOMINEE - Critics Choice Awards, Best First Feature Documentary
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD WINNER Santa Barbara Int'l Film Festival
Seattle Int'l Film Festival
San Francisco Docs
AVFilm Festival
Woods Hole Film Festival
DIRECTING AWARDS
Cleveland Int’l Film Festival
Seattle Int’l Film Festival
For donations $100+ we are excited to offer the official 26.2 TO LIFE t-shirt. The creative typography of the logo was inspired by the distinct San Quentin Marathon course. Tight lettering symbolizes the confining nature of prison and the rectangular configuration echoes the prison yard track.
