Experiencing Interruptions?

Room to Breathe

Newlyweds Mary and Dave, who live in Washington, D.C., confront pandemic parenting and virtual school in their search for household balance. Through verité, Dave intimately captures daily life with two young kids and a growing emotional imbalance. Seeking relief and encouragement, Mary connects with her sister through video messages, unveiling the power of sisterhood. This intimate family portrait is a universal tale of adaptation, and in this moment of collective recovery from years of community disconnection, Room to Breathe is a tool for parents and caregivers to reflect and heal.

  • Dave Haft
    Director
    La Manplesa: An Uprising Remembered, 17 Blocks
  • Mary Awosika
    Producer
  • Ellie Walton
    Editor
    La Manplesa: An Uprising Remembered, Repowered, Brave Girls, Fly By Light
  • Lance Kramer
    Consulting Producer
    The First Step, City of Trees
  • Brandon Kramer
    Story Consultants
    The First Step, City of Trees
  • Youstine Faltas
    Story Consultants
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Family, Children, Education, Mental Health
  • Runtime:
    27 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    September 15, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    246,442 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Dave Haft

Dave’s work includes 200+ documentary-style and marketing videos in multiple languages. In the past decade, he managed $1.7M+ of creative projects in 15 countries that reached tens of thousands of educators and health practitioners around the world. He brings 20 years of experience in film production, creative direction, marketing and project management. In 2021, Dave was selected as a Docs In Progress Fellow. Working with Mariposa Education, he helped schools and parents build resilience in children by teaching the science behind successful adult-child relationships. Dave is a recovering tech-y. Prior to working in film, he was a Ballston BID Fellow and appeared in Washington Life Magazine as part of the 1776 Startup Incubator and his socially-responsible sourcing venture. Dave established the social media strategy, processes and governance for the $50B U.S. Military Health System. Prior to that role, he was streaming videos before YouTube existed.

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Director Statement

Our goal is to tell an inspiring story that will help parents, caregivers, and educators reflect on their own heroism and survival. During the pandemic, children’s challenging behaviors increased as work, school and parenting collided. In this moment of collective recovery from years of disruption, isolation and a loss of community connectedness, we hope that sharing our family’s story will inspire important, restorative conversations for other families and school communities.