Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Documentary 'The Perfect Neighbour' Examines Modern American Challenges
This documentary, 'The Perfect Neighbour,' uses police bodycam footage to show a real-life neighborhood conflict.
It focuses on disputes between neighbors in Florida, mainly involving an elderly white woman and her black neighbors.
The film captures arguments over where children can play and broader societal issues.
The director, Geeta Gandbhir, wants to show the complexities of these events, moving away from simple entertainment shows.
It reveals how seemingly small issues can become major conflicts and reveals important issues.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is now available on Netflix.
The documentary uses bodycam footage from police officers in Florida.
It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the top award for direction.
The film chronicles disputes between neighbors regarding a play area.
Cameras were used to record interactions and potentially protect officers.
The director aims to reveal truths often overlooked in similar media.
- Who
- Geeta Gandbhir directed 'The Perfect Neighbour', featuring footage from police officers and involving neighbors Susan Lorincz and Ajike Owens.
- What
- A documentary examining neighborhood tensions and police interactions.
- When
- Footage filmed between 2022 and 2024; premiered at Sundance in January.
- Where
- Marion County, Florida.
- Why
- To explore challenges of coexistence in modern America through bodycam footage.
- Director
- Geeta Gandbhir
- Film Type
- Documentary
- Main Source Material
- Police bodycam footage
- Setting
- Marion County, Florida
- Release Platform
- Netflix
- Premiered at
- Sundance Film Festival
- Year of Footage
- 2022-2024
- Award
- Top award for direction at Sundance
- Editor
- Viridiana Lieberman