New Documentary 'Beyond the Wire' Highlights Baltimore's Abolitionist Approach to Public Safety

Beyond the Wire screening highlights grassroots violence prevention in Baltimore

BALTIMORE – A new documentary exploring non-police approaches to public safety drew a crowd at the Real News Network studio on August 8, followed by a panel discussion with community mediators featured in the film.

Beyond the Wire, directed by Dr. S. Rasheem and produced by the Baltimore Legacy Project Youth Crew, examines grassroots efforts to reduce violence in Baltimore without relying on traditional policing or incarceration. The event included a brief acknowledgment from producer Imani Mulayer, who announced plans for the newly formed Baltimore Cinematic Universe to support local filmmakers and community storytelling.

The panel featured Anthony Williams, Erica Chambers, and Jazmine Talley, all of whom have worked in violence interruption and mediation in Baltimore. Williams, now a community engagement specialist with We Are Us, recounted his own experience with victim-offender mediation after his release from prison. He now works door-to-door in high-risk neighborhoods to prevent youth violence.

Erica Chambers, also a victim-offender mediator, described her role in facilitating dialogue between those harmed by violence and those responsible. She emphasized the transformative potential of restorative justice practices over punitive systems.

Jazmine Talley, associated with the same organization, spoke to the long-term trust-building required in communities where police presence has often been more harmful than helpful. Their combined efforts have contributed to measurable declines in neighborhood violence, though exact statistics were not provided during the discussion.

The film and panel were presented as a counter-narrative to dominant media portrayals of Baltimore as a city defined by crime and policing. Organizers framed the work as part of a broader “abolitionist” movement to redefine public safety through community-based solutions rather than increased law enforcement.

The event concluded with an invitation for local storytellers to collaborate with the newly launched Baltimore Cinematic Universe, which aims to produce and distribute media that reflects the city’s real experiences. Contact information was provided for those interested in partnerships.