In June 2023, Ajike Owens, a mother of four, was shot and killed by her neighbor in Ocala, Florida, after a minor dispute escalated into deadly violence. Using police body cam footage and recordings of detective interrogations, director Geeta Gandbhir traces the events that led to tragedy. Owens’s neighbor repeatedly called police about children trespassing on her property. Interaction by interaction, the police footage shows the ways distortions and untruths were perpetuated, and how mounting tensions led to such devastating consequences. Over the course of the film, these police visits also reveal a portrait of a community where children played together, parents looked out for one another, and there was a desire to live together in peace. The Perfect Neighbor poses urgent questions around privilege, the ways race influences treatment by law enforcement, and the impact of stand-your-ground laws. Whose fears are valued most? Who is ultimately protected?  ST

Q&A following screening.