Space to Breathe invites audiences to envision abolition as both necessary and achievable, using speculative storytelling to expand possibilities for justice. The film is rooted in present-day struggles for liberation that have a concrete effect on people’s lives, while using a future framing to make clear the urgency and inevitability of change. Too often, films about mass incarceration highlight pain and trauma. By sharing a future-perspective, the film provides a message of hope and inspiration.

Space to Breathe also highlights ideas of transformative justice, a framework for responding to violence or harm without reinforcing or perpetuating violence. Transformative justice is focused on accountability, safety, healing and resilience, as well as collectively seeking to prevent violence through community interventions.