What historic achievement did Geeta Gandbhir accomplish at the Academy Awards?

Geeta Gandbhir became the first American Indian filmmaker to be nominated for directing two documentary films in the same year.

What societal issues do Geeta Gandbhir's nominated films address?

Her films focus on critical issues such as the killing of Ajike Owens and systemic bias, as well as the challenges faced by an abortion clinic head of security amidst protests.

What does Geeta Gandbhir value more than winning an Oscar?

Gandbhir values the attention her films bring to specific societal problems and the opportunity to elevate these issues more than winning an award.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Geeta Gandbhir: A Milestone Year at the Oscars

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.

Geeta Gandbhir: A Milestone Year at the Oscars

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.'

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Geeta Gandbhir: A Milestone Year at the Oscars

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.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.