#ThePerfectNeighbor

The Perfect Neighbor at AFS Cinema

Mar 11, 2025

8:30pm – 10:04pm CT

Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "The Perfect Neighbor"

In June 2023, Ajike Owens, a vibrant young Black mother of four and family friend, was shot and killed by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz. The conflict that ignited this tragic event was a neighborhood dispute over children playing in a nearby field. Heartbroken, I embarked on a film project to unravel the chilling escalation from a minor disagreement to a devastating murder. "The Perfect Neighbor" is a powerful and unsettling exploration, weaving together detective interviews, police body cam footage, and witness testimonies. This film chronicles the tragic sequence of events and also highlights the perilous implications of Florida's lenient gun regulations and Stand Your Ground laws.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Director
photo of Geeta Gandbhir

Credits

Director:

Geeta Gandbhir

Executive Producer:

Takema Robinson, Soledad O Brien, Sam Pollard, Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Wendy Nue, Rose Arce

Producer:

Geeta Gandbhir, Nikon Kwantu, Alisa Payne, Sam Bisbee

Cinematographer:

Alfredo De Lara

Editor:

Viridiana Lieberman

Music:

Laura Heinzinger

Additional Credits:

Associate Producer: Danielle Massie, Production Manager: Crystal Stoute, Post Producer: Naomi Spiro, In Association With: Message Pictures, SO'B Productions, Park Pictures

Contact

Public Film Contact:

Alisa Payne
Message Pictures
info@messagepics.com

Publicity Contact:

Lauren Schwartz
lauren@cineticmedia.com
(212) 204-7979

Sales Agent:

Eric Sloss
Cinetic Media
sales@cineticmedia.com

Primary Access
Film & TV Badge
Platinum Badge
Secondary Access
Film & TV Festival Wristband
Interactive Badge
Music Badge
About
Type: Screening
Year:
2025
Premiere Status:
Screening Section:
Screening Category:
Country:
Language:
Runtime:
94 mins
Accessibility
Closed Captioned