Home / Crime and Justice / Film Unpacks Deadly Florida Dispute: Privilege & Policing
Film Unpacks Deadly Florida Dispute: Privilege & Policing
11 Dec
Summary
- Ajike Owens, mother of four, was fatally shot by her neighbor.
- A documentary uses body cam footage to explore racial issues.
- The film reached 16.7 million views in its first three days.
"The Perfect Neighbor," a documentary exploring the tragic death of Ajike Owens, has captivated audiences, drawing 16.7 million views on Netflix within its initial three days. The film centers on the fatal shooting of Owens, a Black mother of four, by her white neighbor following a dispute over neighborhood noise. Filmmakers Geeta Gandbhir and Nikon Kwantu, friends of the Owens family, were motivated to create the documentary after receiving body cam footage detailing the events.
The creative decision to rely solely on raw footage, including police body cam and dash cam recordings, was deliberate. Directors aimed to avoid re-traumatizing the community while presenting an undeniable and immersive account of the incident. This approach humanizes the victims and subverts the typical use of such footage for surveillance, showcasing the vibrant community life that existed before the tragedy.
Ajike Owens' mother, Pamela Dias, has channeled her grief into purpose by establishing the Standing in the Gap Fund to support families affected by race-based violence. The documentary serves as a testament to her daughter's legacy, fulfilling Ajike's dream that her name would one day be known globally, aiming to inspire change.
