'Rooftopping is my art form': The death-defying couple who climb the world's tallest skyscrapers

The Netflix documentary 'Skywalkers: A Love Story' introduces viewers to Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, a couple who engage in the perilous activity known as 'rooftopping. ' This involves climbing the world's tallest buildings without any safety gear. The film captures their breathtaking stunts, including a heart-stopping moment where Ivan lifts Angela above his head on a spire just 1. 8 meters wide, atop a 678. 9-meter-high building. If he were to drop her, both would plummet to their deaths. The documentary, directed by Jeff Zimbalist and Maria Bukhonina, not only showcases their daring feats but also delves into their personal lives and relationship. Angela and Ivan are the first well-known couple in the rooftopping community. They gained significant attention after illegally climbing the Merdeka 118 tower in Malaysia, the second tallest building in the world, and sharing footage of their ascent. The film credits them for 'extreme cinematography,' as much of the drone footage is their own. The documentary begins with their teenage years, exploring how they got into rooftopping. Ivan started in Moscow in the 2010s, where the scene was thriving. Angela, the daughter of circus performers, went to art school and sees rooftopping as her art form. She was the first woman to engage in this activity and is passionate about creating artistic images during their climbs. The rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok provided them with a lucrative platform, but Angela insists their motivation goes beyond fame. The documentary also highlights the challenges they face. They had to leave Russia due to the Ukraine invasion and the shutdown of social media, which cut off their income. The Covid-19 pandemic further complicated their situation, leading them to sell their artwork to survive. Climbing the Merdeka tower was almost a last-ditch effort. The film doesn't shy away from the dangers of rooftopping. Angela is visibly terrified during some stunts, and the couple mourns friends who have died in the pursuit of this extreme hobby. Despite the risks, they continue because they find it inspiring and motivating. The documentary also focuses on their relationship, showing both their romantic moments and their arguments. Initially, they tried to present a perfect relationship to the cameras, but eventually, they decided to be more authentic. They hope the film will open up new opportunities, such as collaborations in the advertising space. They recently moved to New York to explore new possibilities. Rooftopping is a dangerous vocation, but Angela and Ivan are committed to it. The film captures their intense focus and determination as they perform their stunts high above the ground. 'Skywalkers: A Love Story' will be available on Netflix starting July 19, 2024.