Ming of Harlem: Twenty One Storeys in the Air

This documentary offers a unique perspective on the life of Ming and Al, who lived with their owner Antoine Yates in a New York high-rise. The narrative captures the shock and disbelief of the community upon discovering that a 500-pound tiger and a seven-foot alligator cohabited in a social housing apartment.

Through Yates’s recollections, the film provides a poetic exploration of their environment and the complexities of wild animals existing in human territories. It intertwines visual storytelling with philosophical insights from Jean-Luc Nancy, prompting viewers to reconsider the boundaries between the wild and the urban.

For collectors of documentary films, this title presents a fascinating case study of extraordinary circumstances and the intricate relationships between humans and animals, set against the backdrop of New York City. Its unique subject matter makes it a noteworthy piece for any documentary collection.