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Geeta Gandbhir: A Milestone Year at the Oscars
17 Mar
Summary
- First American Indian filmmaker nominated for two documentaries in one year.
- Her films highlight societal issues like abortion clinic security and racial bias.
- Gandbhir values the spotlight on issues over winning an Oscar.
Filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir, of Indian origin, made history by securing two Oscar nominations in the same year, a first for an American Indian director in documentary categories. Her nominated works, 'The Perfect Neighbor' and 'The Devil is Busy,' shed light on critical contemporary issues.
'The Perfect Neighbor' investigates the fatal shooting of Ajike Owens by her neighbor in Florida, examining systemic biases within self-defense laws and racial discrimination. This film, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and won the Directing Award, was released on Netflix in October 2025 and garnered 16.7 million views within three days.
'The Devil is Busy,' co-directed with Christalyn Hampton and available on Jio Hotstar, portrays the struggles of Tracii, head of security at an Atlanta abortion clinic. The documentary details the security measures and patient escorts necessary due to constant protests and legal restrictions, while Tracii navigates protecting patients and managing demonstrators.
Gandbhir stated that the opportunity the Oscars provide is to elevate important issues, finding the spotlight on her films and their focus on societal problems to be immensely rewarding, regardless of winning. Her past work includes editing the Peabody Award-winning 'If God Is Willing and Creek Don't Rise' and directing the Emmy-winning short 'Apart.'
