Film Independent Members, you and a guest are invited to join us for a theatrical screening of The Perfect Neighbor, followed by an in-person conversation with director Geeta Gandbhir and producers Alisa Payne and Nikon Kwantu.

Award-winning filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir’s new documentary film reveals the fatal consequences that can occur when individuals feel emboldened by the law to act on their fear and prejudice. For years, disgruntled neighbor Susan Lorincz calls the police on the children who play in the vacant land next to her Florida home. Initially, the kids and parents commiserate with local law enforcement about her antics. But her increasing hostility takes a sinister turn, culminating in a devastating crime. With striking humanity and unflinching clarity, The Perfect Neighbor is told almost entirely through police bodycam footage, bearing witness to an intimate community contending with their ongoing nightmare. The chilling escalation of events leads to Lorincz shooting Ajike “AJ” Owens, a beloved and vibrant mother of four. Owens’ killing sparked a reckoning throughout the United States about controversial state laws like “Stand Your Ground,” which can allow individuals to use deadly force if they feel their life is in danger.

From Netflix, The Perfect Neighbor premiered at the Sundance Film Festival (Winner, Documentary Directing Award) and will be released in theaters October 17.

 
2025, 97 minutes, Directed by Geeta Gandbhir | Produced by Alisa Payne, Geeta Gandbhir, Nikon Kwantu, Sam Bisbee | Executive Produced by Sam Pollard, Takema Robinson, Soledad O’Brien, Rose Arce, Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Wendy Neu
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting at 2:00 pm PT on Monday, October 6. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

Masks are optional. This is subject to change as we continue to monitor public health guidance.

Landmark Sunset offers three hours of free parking with validation; $2.00 every 15 minutes thereafter, with a daily maximum of $24.00. The garage is open 24 hours – enter from Laurel Ave. or Crescent Heights Blvd.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per individual, per event.

Attendees are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.