The Perfect Neighbor documentary tells the shocking true story of Ajike “AJ” Owens, a Black mother of four who was fatally shot by her neighbour Susan Lorincz in Florida. In this exclusive interview, director Geeta Gandbhir and Pamela Dias, Ajike’s mother, discuss how the film reconstructs the tragedy through police body-cam footage, 911 calls, and interrogation tapes. They unpack how a neighbourhood dispute spiraled into violence, exposing the failings of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.
Director Geeta Gandbhir reveals why she took a “show-don’t-tell” approach, letting raw institutional footage speak for itself, while Pamela Dias shares her grief, courage, and fight for justice. Together they reflect on how The Perfect Neighbour turns personal loss into a broader story about gun violence, race, and accountability in America.
00:00 – Introduction to “The Perfect Neighbour”
05:22 – The Story Behind Adjika Owens
07:17 – Pamela's Reflection on Adjika
11:15 – The Incident: A Tragic Night
13:32 – Uncovering the History of Conflict
16:09 – The Role of Media and Community
17:35 – Motivations Behind the Tragedy
18:48 – Understanding Stand Your Ground Laws
26:43 – The Role of Police in Community Conflicts
30:34 – Impact on the Community After Tragedy
34:21 – Adjika's Legacy and Call to Action