The Chronicles of a New York Locksmith | Keys to the City | The New Yorker Documentary

[@hiroprotagonist921]

"to tell you the truth, you know, I was always wanting to meet someone like Matthew, because I never had nobody teach me nothing." I felt that in my soul.

[@miesjk]

Hit me hard too.

[@marcc16]

Shoutout to all the teachers out there.

[@gerarddamico1646]

Truer words never spoken

[@vincentsnow8436]

not having guidance is a lonely feeling.

[@Trav81888]

yo man….I grew up with so many uncles my parents cousins family members teaching me a little bit about everything. I felt the pain in that statement as well as a potentially jaded person turning the corner and changing for the better. It was beautiful.

[@LonnieLawless]

Rest In Peace Matthew the Locksmith. What a beautiful slice of a life I knew nothing about, but feel better now that I know a little.

[@josephz9006]

What happened to matthew

[@Alpacabowl98]

@@josephz9006 30:12

[@LonnieLawless]

@@josephz9006 He passed away before the film was finished.

[@jamesstewart4193]

Love

[@jamesstewart4193]

Heart❤

[@ChrisPBacon21]

This is one of those rare videos that you click on with no expectations and then 30 minutes later your perspective on life is shifted. A beautiful 30 minutes.

[@tims.3950]

This was incredible. I had no idea going in how what I was in for.

[@goldenmagnolia5424]

An absolutely incredible story, told by the characters themselves. This is American filmmaking/storytelling of the highest order.

[@madebymoubayed]

Thanks so much for making the time to watch the film and for the high praise. We only hope more people continue to see the film.

[@MGsac98252]

Bravo!

[@bryanperkins3451]

these are a treat

[@DaRanchOne]

Ian this was spectacular. This was such a pleasure to watch.@@madebymoubayed

[@sylvankatz3060]

I was born into the locksmith trade. Took over my father's business at the age of 14. This was after my father died. This story went to my core. At the age of 73 it is all behind me and as l see others too.

[@madebymoubayed]

Incredible. Thanks for sharing- I hope your able to enjoy this one with your family.

[@phillipjmontoyapmoney]

That was an incredible and interesting film. Great job and thank you for sharing your life’s with us 💪🇺🇸

[@rebaonegill1694]

This mini-documentary really struck a chord with me. As someone who inherited my father's locksmith business at 19 in South Africa , watching this resonated deeply. Now at 74, it's a nostalgic yet powerful reminder of the enduring legacy and craftsmanship in this profession.

[@acooksla]

❤

[@abcdefghi9]

Wish there were alot more videos like this of everyday working joes. People that have "boring" jobs but make the world run. Very nice to see these videos.

[@madebymoubayed]

True and thanks

[@VoidvonStroke]

i swearr

[@jimbob7871]

There was a doc called broke about a Canadian pawn shop. Used to have the whole thing on KZbin.

[@sandiegolife6192]

True we need more of these videos

[@alt_al]

there are a lot more videos like this. You can start with Broke by Rosie Dransfeld

[@robbriner9575]

Nice slice of life. Real, authentic, respectful. No happy smiley BS. Just enough info.

[@scvvm]

exactly😌

[@madebymoubayed]

I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed making it. Please do us the favor of sharing the slice of life with more people. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@rizaanjappie]

Has a grit about it. Watching people's passion unfold during tough times.

[@nickmoreno3885]

"What once was, won't be again." hits very hard

[@TheSilmarillian]

Best 32 minutes I have spent on UTube in a long time

[@akidojlaw537]

When we can miss someone we never physically met is the finest accolade a filmmaker can rise to.

[@angieg3624]

Absolutely 🙏

[@artemisXsidecross]

A working class hero tale well done 👍

[@Reedgains]

Well said

[@madebymoubayed]

Thanks!

[@Rody_Blue]

Simple. Beautiful. We need more filming like this.

[@greggbennett7011]

That final shot of Matthew with his family was truly humbling.

[@danreid6712]

The Zen of living....an honest look at a working man's reality. A Trilogy of beauty...thanx for this film.

[@kjprice1443]

So sad that Matthew never got to see this documentary. RIP.

[@hdoglesby]

This short film is legitimate art. So many cities and neighborhoods loose their grittiness bc of gentrification. Ian was able to capture some real moments that made me nostalgic. RIP Matthew and Sylvia ❤️🙏

[@madebymoubayed]

wow- thank you for such kind words.

[@Ropecharud]

WOW! I was so moved by this documentary, incredible!!!

[@paulsimons769]

​@@madebymoubayedare you involved in the making of the episode?

[@madebymoubayed]

@@paulsimons769 yes I shot and directed this- thank you for the support.

[@JBoogie1977]

Heartfelt & entertaining. So sad to see that Matthew has passed away.

[@madebymoubayed]

Thanks! And yes I still think a lot about Matthew. I miss him and know how proud he would be of the love you're all showing the film

[@amarastibbie8810]

I'm really happy the algorithm put this on my feed. Such a beautiful watch and a film of true human experiences. RIP Matthew

[@brianjones7521]

I am stopping this so I can save for tomorrow. I don't want it to end. This is Art.

[@madebymoubayed]

wow hope you finished- thanks for the support

[@tims.3950]

​@@madebymoubayed"Captivating" is the only word I can think of.

[@paulagebhardt6018]

These guys were so kind to me when I got locked out of my Brooklyn apartment. Seriously the best

[@sallytomata1]

THIS is what moves us, enlightens us, and changes us for the better by telling the stories of our humanity. Keep it coming, please and thank you!!

[@savannahm.laurentian1286]

If I could hit 5,000 likes to fight for humanity, I would. Thank you. Miss NYC like a limb.

[@capt.obvious9058]

Yeah , Brooklyn locksmith life...INSPIRATIONAL

[@ghostrider273]

@@savannahm.laurentian1286 I'm glad I returned.

[@kuyshina]

Just leaving the camera and having these guys just chop it up with each other is really something else. The conversations and dialogue is raw and to the point.

[@Myacckt]

Bvautiful portrait of a type of manhood. Very emotional and timeless

[@ChrisandGina777]

One of the best documentaries I've ever seen 💯

[@VincePlombier-qg2ey]

Unbelievable documentary. Beautiful portrait of newyork and newyorkers. Sending love to all fellow craftsmen. A parisian plumber

[@typicaledc]

21:46 "Don't drink it!" LOL, what an awesome family.

[@geolocksmithbk]

😂

[@kevykev555]

Rest in Peace Mr. Ballard. What an interesting documentary....

[@mambojambostudio]

Dude, the scene at 11:50 felt like a narrative film. The guys are just natural, real people that feel like characters. Beautiful

[@AokLocksmiths]

Everyday I’m so thankful to my father who started me out in this locksmith business. Thx Dad 🙏

[@diogomp81]

More of this, please.

[@tomgilchrist8698]

A brilliant short film that rolled along beautifully.

[@mchlnlmns]

most beautiful thing i have seen in months. Caught the emotion very well.

[@andres93b]

this is a movie. what a cinematography what a way of telling a story. I miss this quality of videos.

[@gilesclement]

Brilliantly made documentary, hats off to the photographer for capturing all the little vignettes which tell the story of these characters.

[@marksmith1784]

RIP Matthew. You dropped so many words of wisdom.

[@madebymoubayed]

Ain't that the truth.

[@great567]

These are the New Yorkers who live in the background but are truly part of the fabric of this city.

[@jameslawrence2553]

RIP Mathew..Here’s to all the hard working unheralded blue collar men and women that keep this nation going.

[@jonericksen3278]

Bravo, New Yorker, Bravo. I'm a blue collar self employed mechanic and let me tell you this. You have the knack for telling our stories by showing that we are all human beings with the same life struggles. Thank you, keep it up

[@millietorres8527]

Absolutely exquisite we need more of this please 🙏 I love my city !!!! Rip Matthew 🌹 Rip Sylvia 🕊

[@madebymoubayed]

❤❤❤

[@nostarstv7640]

Behind every door there's a story. A master class in story telling and documentary.

[@arthurford829]

There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said. I’m just commenting so the KZbin algorithm will keep suggesting videos like this one. Outstanding!

[@Abd1123]

Brilliant. RIP Mathew … this film is a beautiful slice of life that was put under the microscope

[@Mpp31provo]

I love the smile on his face at the end when his family comes for dinner.

[@nadanalia3000]

Matthew was such a gentleman. RIP Sir

[@cds8718]

Gorgeous. Just incredibly well done. I echo what others have said here about Tony, George and the sweet Mathew… but mostly this film makes me reflect on the soul of Brooklyn. I have lived there, and don’t any longer. But it is a place that is populated with men like these that live in no other place but there. Extraordinary. True humans.

[@madebymoubayed]

Thank you! Ain't that the truth. These guys really are special yet overlooked. Everyone has a story....

[@Korenshei]

This was so pure and authentic. Profundity in the plain humanity of ordinary people.

[@banksiasong]

Loved this. Beautiful dear Matthew, a gentle melliflous presence throughout became a mentor to the rough-edged George who ended up creating his own business, starting a family, and treading a more gentle path in this world.

[@slimyelow]

words well spoken

[@pameladaley955]

Beautiful and fabulous and wonderful - thanx again, New Yorker!

[@Viewfinderfx]

My family has a multi generational locksmith company in El Paso, Tx. This story really spoke to me with the teaching of the younger generation.

[@WoodlandDance]

Keys to the City: Tales of a New York City Locksmith - March 1, 1999 by Joel Kostman This is a GREAT autobiography book! If you like this video, consider reading the book

[@floodlime8620]

Love El Paso. Best wishes to you and your family.

[@ikgardens]

More of this type of content please, New Yorker. Bravo on this piece. These are the stories worth telling.

[@arliafrink3043]

So poignant and timeless. I would gladly watch a feature length version of stories like this. Thank you for all the hardwork that went into making this piece of art and life.

[@NYRalltheway14]

How did a random short documentary about a locksmith become so deep and enthralling?

[@larryhuffine2814]

Wow that was such a well done little snapshot of the mutual experience the 3 of them had. I hope matthew is resting in peace. And i wish the best to everyone else

[@allegunderson22]

Such an excellent short film. Enjoyed it thoroughly. I could watch films like this daily. They are life changing for sure.

[@unionalarm]

Great little story and one I can relate to myself. As a 38 year locksmith and owner of a locksmith & alarm company in Alberta, Canada, it's quickly becoming time for me to pass the torch and look to retire in the years ahead. I'm fortunate that I have two sons who could possibly take things over, but at the same time I can totally relate to certain things within this story.. Love the way this was filmed. Real people...real stories.

[@TraitofSiNN727]

this should be award winning documentary. RiP Matthew.🌹🙏

[@lexus996]

Hands down, probably one of the most well shot and moving 'documentaries' I've seen in a long time. 10/10

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

I’m in tears. This is a beautiful film.

[@XroorX]

His mind was being constantly engaged dealing with a new blast every day. Retires and dies a little each day. “When it’s time to go, it’s time to go…” wise words

[@mandykehau]

Extremely well done!! More of these please!

[@savannahm.laurentian1286]

I recommend their short doc on the many lives of an NYC doorman, if you haven't already seen it.

[@madebymoubayed]

Thanks! Keep sharing with others- perhaps one day!

[@carlyelawson8751]

As a 3rd generation locksmith myself in Jackson, MS. I related so much to all the little details. It's nice to see someone take interest in a trade that's necessary but a lot of times overlooked. This film was beautiful in every way.

[@kellygosa7438]

Beautiful. I was so happy that Mathew wasn’t alone at the end.

[@daddy9925]

This is the best filmed “anything” I’ve seen in half a decade. Well done! Thank you for your contribution! I’m better for having watched it.

[@madebymoubayed]

wow super high praise- I'm so happy you enjoyed the film. Thank you for making time to watch. It takes engaged viewers like you for films to not only be seen but continue to be made.

[@rightweaponry908]

This is absolutely beautiful in the way that New York City is absolutely beautiful. It's not the skyline or Broadway, it is the impact of human connection that is possible here.

[@Val_kyriee]

Everyonce in a while, something worth spending ones time on comes on. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is one of those times. What an absolutely incredible documentary. Quintessential NYC story with characters that befit the great city. Whoever made this, bravo!

[@madebymoubayed]

Thank you for the kind words. Thanks for watching.

[@chrisknight5996]

This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on KZbin. It was just hard working people living and being real. Love it.

[@edwin3143]

Long Live Matt, always had his key to heaven

[@michaellangsdorf1683]

What a beautiful, moving tribute to the lives of decent, hardworking people doing the best they can to treat others with respect and dignity.❤

[@bhos6543]

Excellent documentary. Thank you.

[@chriss2295]

THIS is the best thing I’ve seen on KZbin for quite some time. Real AF. Beautifully shot and edited.

[@AlanJLopez-gj5gf]

Beautiful story. A true New York story. Most of us have jobs, but sometimes due to the hustle & bustle we forget to see really what is around us. Of jobs that have such detailed craftsmanship. This film brings all that to light. RIP Matthew the locksmith. We thank you for your service to one of the greatest cities in the world.

[@rickfazzini22]

What a great story the people,the grungyness of the city, the way they speak to each other. A masterpiece!!

[@nicoleoribhabor7541]

This played like a movie. So much more life than a documentary. Thank you for making this

[@flminnc]

This had me in tears! Such poignant storytelling truly capturing real people.

[@madebymoubayed]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. Means a lot to us. Share with others who might need a story like this

[@isaiahkaopua3329]

One of the best stories I’ve watched yet!

[@carlrivera294]

Im 39 started an apprentice job at a locksmith at 14 . Worked locksmith retail for 12 years and now for past 10 years im a locksmith at a correctional facilty. this was a great documentary. this doesnt show how hard our job can be and how people dont appreciate what we do.

[@markkrawzowitcz8439]

I love that hard working guys like these get credit. These are the people that keep life moving.

[@ruffmeow9893]

How do they put this together so elegantly like a movie? Unreal!

[@michaelwilliams5506]

I'm a locksmith in the sf bay area. It's great to see this video. What i do has a lot of difference in the details, but so much of it is the same. The customers, the rain, the silly questions about whether we make keys at our shop, etc. Thanks for this

[@ianmoubayed6905]

Thanks for you service :)

[@MikeJones.]

@@ianmoubayed6905 facts ❤

[@jhbange]

Yeah, I was a locksmith in Los Angeles for 28 years. The cities are different in their own ways, but the life of the locksmith is the same everywhere!

[@michaelmarchiano6737]

Incredible story. Thank you for sharing

[@GuitarLite]

I have watched thousands of documentaries, and this is one of the most well put together films I have seen. The camera, angles, pan, outs, transitions, everything about the way this was shot and put together is top-tier. For the first five minutes I was trying to tell whether this was, a documentary or a actual short film with actors. Absolutely incredible.

[@lilianajimenez-digeso9719]

Beautiful story....

[@waylangrant23]

The stories weaved together seamlessly with amazing visuals and dialogue was a cherry on top of a truly, enticing documentary. One of triumph, soul searching and restarting. I appreciate our working class generation and all that they continue to teach us through their memories for it will guide us through to the future and inspire countless, further! Bravo!

[@AgentAlexPBT]

This was awesome. May Matthew rest in God’s hands.

[@TannerRE]

what did I just watch? that was 30 minutes of some of the most brilliant story telling I've ever seen. wow! rip Matthew

[@nwshirts]

I'm born and raised in the Pacific NW and I love the candor of New Yorkers. We're very polite here on the West Coast but we don't always say what we really want to say. That doesn't seem like a problem for New Yorkers.

[@John-vh3ig]

Why did I shed few tears watching this?

[@DrPhil-pw2to]

Been in nyc over 34 years and like everywhere else it’s changed . Sometimes it gets to me but most of the time I love it.

[@tebec3624]

This was beautiful! I wish it had been longer. That’s what I will always love about New York and New YORKERS- simple people with big hearts. The lifeblood of New York is NOT 5th ave- its all those mom and pops hole-in-the-wall shops that tell you “da price” plain and simple. RIP Matthew ❤️. I know what shop I will call if I ever need a locksmith. 🔑

[@basselm804]

Simply one of the best documentaries I've ever watched...

[@madebymoubayed]

Wow honored to hear that. Spread the word. Hopefully we can make more films with people like you supporting them :)

[@Panama_lewis]

Made my day. Thank you.

[@mwmsjuly19]

So beautiful. Rest well, Mr. Ballard. 💔

[@madebymoubayed]

Thank for the support!

[@japhyvansan]

Amazing documentary beautifully shot. It's also sharing an honest depiction of an everyday person doing their best to survive in a system that's not set up for their benefit. I've lived all over the world and I can tell you that there are many places, kinder, warmer, softer, more full of joy, laughter and happiness than a massive city like New York City. I lived in major cities for 26 years. It was great, but it's not everything. If you can do yourself a favour and travel so you can choose for yourself where you truly feel inspired

[@mo1976ney]

So where did you choose to live, in the end?

[@mmrw]

It’s not about the size of the city really. The culture in the northeast US is like he described, you really don’t deal with people unless you “have to.” But it’s the same anywhere in the region, in a city or rural area. You really need to just leave the northeast if you don’t like that culture, but I think there are plenty of other big cities where you can find more quote-unquote “friendly” people

[@Ian-wh8ut]

@@mmrw yep Hog ever heard of Minnesota Nice? its not really that way.

[@mmrw]

@@Ian-wh8ut if you mean that Minnesota culture isn’t really nicer then that’s arguable, but also a completely different point. The Midwest does in fact have a different culture than the Northeast, where interacting with strangers is more encouraged. Whether or not that actually makes for a “nicer” culture is a different question

[@jeretso]

Its a big world. I would go where my dollar goes farthest and stores don't get mugged.

[@JillKnapp]

It all comes down to people's desire simply to connect. This was wonderful. Thank you so much.

[@madebymoubayed]

Of course! Thanks for the nice words

[@humbertofigueroa3455]

What a beautiful story. Thank you The Yorker

[@ogonzilla]

This is one of the best things I've seen in a while. Incredibly immersive and real!! Thank you, Ian!!

[@fillup40]

As a locksmith myself, i enjoyed the reality of everyday nuances portrayed. I have high respect for Mathew.

[@johnmb49]

Really wonderful film. I watch many documentaries and this is the best that I have seen in many years. The story was told beautifully in 30 minutes and Ian did not fall into the trap of adding a lot of filler to get a longer film. This should be required viewing at all film schools.

[@LCLoyal]

Beautiful, illuminating film. Thank you for capturing this and them for us.

[@jackedkerouac4414]

Fascinating. Love the classic aesthetics of the film too a real fly-on-the-wall experience.