Keys to the City - A Documentary of a Retiring New York City Locksmith

The Society of Professional Locksmiths Supports this Project 

The following is a movie being made which involves a real locksmith, not a scammer. It is a positive work of art depicting the interesting interactions with as locksmiths encounter on a daily basis. Please back this project on Kickstarter as well by clicking here - Keys to the City. The SOPL will match funds up to $1000 so when you pledge support make sure you add "SOPL Sent Me" in the remarks!

Keys to the City tells the story Matthew Ballard, a 70-year-old Brooklyn locksmith, who has unlocked and entered the homes of New Yorkers for 47 years. Amidst a time when gentrification rapidly pervades Brooklyn, and the cultural landscape of the city is rapidly shifting, Matthew has distanced himself from the people around him and now seeks to escape the place he once knew. Before retiring and pursuing a peaceful life in Savannah, Georgia, Matthew discovers that he must first teach George Goga, a young and bold first generation Armenian immigrant, about what it takes to be a New York City locksmith. 

I had the opportunity to speak directly with Ian Moubayed, the young independent filmmaker who was inspired to create this project after having a "gratifying" experience with a real locksmith (not a scammer) after being locked out of his home. Listen to the telephone interview below and learn more about this film and those involved. 

Share your unique experiences below!