Filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir and producers Alisa Payne and Nikon Kwantu discuss their powerful yet heartbreaking documentary ‘The Perfect Neighbor’. The project sheds light on the tragic killing of Ajike Owens, a mother of four in Florida, following a series of intense run-ins with a neighbor.
Through our conversation, the trio reveals that the idea of turning the story into a documentary stemmed from the personal relationship one of them had with the Owens family. From there, they began digging deeper into what the initial problem was between the two neighbors and how it escalated. It was then, through their research, that they discovered police body camera footage, which revealed two years of harassment that led up to the final and fatal encounter.
Now, with the exclusive police footage as well as firsthand accounts from witnesses, the creators capture not only the events surrounding the shooting but also the vibrant and multiracial community that was torn apart by violence and racial tension.
The group explains that showcasing the story in such a way allows for the preservation of authenticity and avoids re-traumatizing the community.
Their goal was to humanize those involved while confronting the misuse of “Stand Your Ground” laws, which they argue continue to endanger Black and Brown lives. As Gandbhir notes, the story of Ajike—like that of Emmett Till decades ago—demands that the world bear witness and reshape our mindset towards one another.
The filmmakers hope the documentary becomes a catalyst for change, inspiring viewers to learn more and support initiatives like standinginthegapfund.org, which works toward justice and safer communities.
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