Netflix has unveiled the trailer for its upcoming short documentary The Quilters, slated to premiere on May 16. The film offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of incarcerated men who find hope, healing, and humanity through the art of quilting inside a Missouri maximum-security prison.
Set within the sewing room of South Central Correctional Center — a Level 5 prison located two hours south of St. Louis — The Quilters follows several inmates as they design and create vibrant, personalized quilts for foster children. The trailer, released on Netflix’s official YouTube channel, showcases the emotional depth of the project and the powerful transformation experienced by the men involved.
“This environment, it’s a jungle,” one inmate says in the opening scene, as string music plays in the background. Another adds, “We’re a little community within a big community… Organized chaos is the easiest way to describe that room.”
As the trailer progresses, the prisoners reflect on their past mistakes, struggles, and the sense of purpose quilting brings them. “When I do this, I don’t even be in here,” says one of the quilters, describing the sense of escape and redemption the craft provides.
Netflix describes the documentary as “award-winning,” highlighting the emotional and redemptive journey of these men who, despite uncertain futures, strive to create something beautiful for children in need.
Since its release 21 hours ago, the trailer has garnered nearly 25,000 views and 791 likes on YouTube, with viewers praising its emotional resonance and unique perspective.
The Quilters promises to be a deeply moving narrative of second chances, brotherhood, and creativity within prison walls — one thread at a time.