Los Angeles has witnessed a remarkable achievement by American filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir, who has secured not just one but two nominations in this year’s Academy Awards documentary categories. Her films “The Perfect Neighbor” and “The Devil is Busy” have both been recognized, the former competing for Best Documentary Feature and the latter for Best Documentary Short. This rare feat underscores Gandbhir’s growing influence and talent in the documentary filmmaking world.
Both projects had already made it to the Academy’s shortlist of 15 contenders before the official nominations were revealed, giving Gandbhir a strong indication that her work was resonating with the judges. Despite this, the actual announcement of the nominations took her by surprise. She shared with a lighthearted tone at the Independent Spirit Awards that she had actually fallen asleep during the live announcement. “Don’t judge me,” she joked, explaining how anxiety kept her awake until the early hours of the morning, only for her to miss the moment when her name was called.
Her short documentary, “The Devil is Busy,” distributed by HBO Max, presents an intimate and intense portrayal of a single day inside an abortion clinic located in Atlanta, Georgia. The film sheds light on the real and present dangers faced by both the clinic’s staff and patients amidst the increasingly volatile political environment surrounding abortion rights in the United States. Through this lens, Gandbhir captures the courage and resilience of those involved in providing and seeking reproductive healthcare.
On the other hand, “The Perfect Neighbor,” which is available on Netflix, delves into a tragic event in a Florida neighborhood, reconstructing the circumstances around the killing of Ajike Owens. The documentary uses police call recordings and body-camera footage to piece together the incident, offering viewers a detailed and emotional exploration of the case. This film is particularly close to Gandbhir’s heart, as Ajike Owens was a family friend, adding a profound personal dimension to the storytelling.
At the Oscars Luncheon, Gandbhir spoke about the deeply personal nature of both films, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind their creation. She revealed that “The Perfect Neighbor” was produced with the involvement of her husband and sister-in-law, while “The Devil is Busy” was co-directed alongside her best friend from college. This close-knit teamwork highlights the passion and dedication invested in these projects, making their recognition at the Oscars all the more meaningful.
Geeta Gandbhir’s dual nominations not only celebrate her exceptional skill as a filmmaker but also bring attention to critical social issues through her compelling narratives. Her work continues to inspire conversations around justice, human rights, and the power of documentary cinema to effect change.
