Geeta Gandbhir’s Dual Oscar Noms Reflect a Commitment to Urgent Storytelling
Los Angeles, CA – Filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir is making waves in the documentary film world, earning two nominations for the 98th Academy Awards. She is recognized for both directing “The Perfect Neighbor” in the Best Documentary Feature category and for co-directing “The Devil is Busy” in the Best Documentary Short Film category. The nominations, announced earlier this year, highlight Gandbhir’s dedication to tackling complex and timely social issues through her work. This marks the first two Oscar nominations of her career, a testament to the power and resonance of her storytelling.
Gandbhir’s journey to this moment was, by her own admission, somewhat surreal. She revealed she was asleep when the nominations were announced, a result of anxiety the night before. “I was so anxious the night before. I had planned to go to bed early and acquire a good night’s sleep, but I stayed up until three in the morning staring at the ceiling,” she reportedly said, according to reporting from the Independent Spirit Awards. Despite the unexpected timing of the news, the recognition is a significant achievement for the director and a validation of the stories she has chosen to tell.
Both films, “The Perfect Neighbor” and “The Devil is Busy,” delve into challenging and often uncomfortable realities. “The Devil is Busy,” distributed by HBO Max, offers an intimate look inside an abortion clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, shedding light on the challenges faced by both staff and patients in a changing political landscape. The film underscores the increasing dangers and restrictions surrounding reproductive healthcare access in the United States. “The Perfect Neighbor,” available on Netflix, examines the tragic events leading to the death of Ajike Owens, a Black mother in Ocala, Florida, at the hands of her white neighbor, Susan Lorincz.
“The Perfect Neighbor”: Reconstructing a Tragedy Through Police Footage
“The Perfect Neighbor” stands out for its unique approach to documentary filmmaking. Gandbhir primarily utilizes police bodycam and dashcam footage to reconstruct the events leading up to the fatal shooting of Ajike Owens on June 2, 2023. The film meticulously pieces together the escalating tensions between Owens and Lorincz, revealing a pattern of harassment and violence. According to a report by Vanity Fair, the film’s power lies in its ability to place the viewer directly within the community, experiencing the unfolding events as they happened.
The case garnered national attention, particularly due to Lorincz’s attempt to invoke Florida’s “stand your ground” law. Florida’s “stand your ground” law, enacted in 2005, allows individuals to use deadly force in self-defense without a duty to retreat, even if they could have safely done so. Florida Statute 776.012 details the specifics of the law. The film raises critical questions about the application of such laws and the systemic biases that may influence their implementation.
Gandbhir’s connection to the story is deeply personal. She revealed that Ajike Owens was a family friend, making the project particularly poignant. “Ajike was a friend of the family,” Gandbhir stated. “It was our connection – mine and that of my team at Message Pictures – with the case.” This personal stake undoubtedly informed the film’s sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the tragedy.
“The Devil is Busy”: A Look Inside a Georgia Abortion Clinic
While “The Perfect Neighbor” focuses on a single, devastating event, “The Devil is Busy” offers a broader perspective on a critical issue facing the United States. The short documentary, co-directed with Christalyn Hampton, provides a raw and unflinching look inside an abortion clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. The film highlights the increasing dangers faced by both patients and staff as access to abortion care is restricted in many states.
The film’s title, “The Devil is Busy,” is a deliberate reference to the challenges and obstacles faced by those providing and seeking reproductive healthcare. It underscores the political and social forces working to limit access to abortion, and the courage of those who continue to fight for reproductive rights. The documentary’s impact lies in its ability to humanize the individuals involved and to expose the realities of a healthcare system under siege.
According to Gandbhir, both projects were deeply collaborative and personal. She emphasized the importance of family in her work, noting that “The Perfect Neighbor” was made with her sister-in-law and husband, who served as producers, and “The Devil is Busy” was co-directed with a close friend from college. This collaborative spirit underscores the emotional weight and dedication that went into both films.
Gandbhir’s Career and the Impact of Her Work
Geeta Gandbhir is an American filmmaker known for her documentary work. Prior to these nominations, Gandbhir had not received an Oscar nomination, making this year’s recognition particularly significant. Her work often focuses on social justice issues and marginalized communities, giving voice to stories that might otherwise go untold.
The nominations for both “The Perfect Neighbor” and “The Devil is Busy” come at a time of heightened awareness surrounding issues of racial justice, gun violence, and reproductive rights. These films are likely to spark crucial conversations and contribute to a broader understanding of these complex challenges. The films’ success also highlights the growing importance of documentary filmmaking as a tool for social change.
“The Perfect Neighbor” premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Directing Award. The Sundance Film Festival is a prominent platform for independent filmmakers. It subsequently had a limited theatrical release before becoming available on Netflix on October 17, 2025. The film’s critical acclaim and widespread viewership have solidified its position as a powerful and important work of documentary filmmaking.
Looking Ahead: The Oscars and Beyond
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 8, 2026. “The Perfect Neighbor” will compete against “The Alabama Solution,” “Come Spot Me in the Good Light,” “Cutting Through Rocks,” and “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” in the Best Documentary Feature category. The outcome remains uncertain, but Gandbhir’s work has already resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Regardless of the outcome at the Oscars, Gandbhir’s impact on the documentary film landscape is undeniable. Her commitment to telling difficult stories with sensitivity and nuance has earned her a well-deserved place among the leading filmmakers of her generation. Her films serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of bearing witness and amplifying the voices of those who are often marginalized.
The next step for audiences interested in these films is to watch them and engage in the conversations they inspire. “The Perfect Neighbor” is currently available on Netflix, and “The Devil is Busy” can be found on HBO Max. The Academy Awards ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC on March 8, 2026, offering a chance to see which of these impactful documentaries will capture home the top prize.
What are your thoughts on these nominations and the important stories Geeta Gandbhir is telling? Share your comments below and join the conversation.
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