My name is Nia Whitmal. I am in an anthropology doctoral program at Cornell University. I study housing, memory, and wealth accumulation among Harlem's black middle class. I hold a BA in anthropology from Yale College. That’s me on the far right
I am also a budding documentarian. This website is dedicated to showcasing my video art. You can find some of my work below.
Feature-length documentary directed by Malcolm St. Pierre on Harlem historic preservationist Michael Henry Adams
Harlem: Lost & Found (Ongoing)
You can donate to the film here
10 mins, documentary short
Shot in New York, a city full of strangers, Ticker explores the anxieties produced by the influence of mass media in everyday life, and the specter of men and women we learn to fear and love through the continuous stream of signs. Influenced by the writings of sociologist Christopher Rojek.
TICKER (2022)
TICKER (2022)
SKATES (2024)
in post production
Dual perspective short exploring the friendship between 25-year old Ryan and 23-year old Lana. Ryan and Lana’s friendship is a rather intimate one. So much so that Ryan picks up roller skating as a hobby when Lana starts her new quarterly job at a roller rink rental booth. This film explores the complexities of the unspoken rules in their friendship and what can happen when tacit boundaries get crossed.
Written and directed by Dani Payne
Shot by me on BlackMagic Ursa Mini 4.6K
Abdullah (1st AC), me, and Dani pictured below. Photos by Jason F. Vasquez
DANCE OF THE BOX GIRL
An archival short about female sexuality online and the slippage between humans, dolls, and robots. Inspired by writings of sociologist Kim Toffoletti