Belly of the Beast is a 2020 documentary film by Erika Cohn about the illegal sterilization practices in the Central California Women’s Facility and other female penitentiaries.

Made over a period of seven years, the 82-minute movie documents the fight of one inmate (Kelli Dillon) and her lawyer against the Department of Corrections.

[2][3] Their investigations inside prison, with assistance from outside allies, uncover statewide criminal practices ranging from poor healthcare, sexual abuse and assault, coercive sterilizations, and the targeting of women of color.

[9] It was in the American Library Association's 2022 list of Notable Films for Adults.

[10] On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an aggregated score of 100% based on 17 critic reviews.