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14
JUNE
The Perfect Neighbor
DC:DOX | Washington, D.C.
Standing in the Gap Fund, in collaboration with Message Pictures, Park Pictures, Soledad O’Brien Productions, and High Cotton Production is proud to announce The Perfect Neighbor as an Official Selection at DC:DOX 2025. This powerful documentary reveals the devastating impact of Stand Your Ground laws and their role in perpetuating racialized violence, as seen through the tragic story of AJ Owens. The film invites viewers to confront the systemic inequities that enabled this tragedy and continue to harm marginalized communities.
Through exclusive police bodycam footage and investigative interviews, The Perfect Neighbor immerses viewers in the tragic events, culminating on June 2, 2023, with the neighbor’s final fatal interaction.
1-6
APRIL
FROM GRIEF TO ACTION: THE FIGHT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE CONTINUES
2025 National Action Network National Convention | New York, NY
National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, criminal record, economic status, gender, gender expression, or sexuality.
22-26
MARCH
The Perfect Neighbor
CPH:DOX | Copenhagen, Denmark
Standing in the Gap Fund, in collaboration with Message Pictures, Park Pictures, Soledad O’Brien Productions, and High Cotton Production announce the international premeiere of The Perfect Neighbor as an Official Selection at CPH:DOX 2025 and nominee for the F:ACT Award. This powerful documentary reveals the devastating impact of Stand Your Ground laws and their role in perpetuating racialized violence, as seen through the tragic story of AJ Owens. The film invites viewers to confront the systemic inequities that enabled this tragedy and continue to harm marginalized communities.
Through exclusive police bodycam footage and investigative interviews, The Perfect Neighbor immerses viewers in the tragic events, culminating on June 2, 2023, with the neighbor’s final fatal interaction.
9-13
MARCH
The Perfect Neighbor
SXSW | Austin,TX
Standing in the Gap Fund, in collaboration with Message Pictures, Park Pictures, Soledad O’Brien Productions, and High Cotton Production announce The Perfect Neighbor as an Official Selection at the SXSW 2025. This powerful documentary reveals the devastating impact of Stand Your Ground laws and their role in perpetuating racialized violence, as seen through the tragic story of AJ Owens. The film invites viewers to confront the systemic inequities that enabled this tragedy and continue to harm marginalized communities.
Through exclusive police bodycam footage and investigative interviews, The Perfect Neighbor immerses viewers in the tragic events, culminating on June 2, 2023, with the neighbor’s final fatal interaction.
24-30
JANUARY
The Perfect Neighbor Premier
sundance festival | park city, utah
Standing in the Gap Fund, in collaboration with Message Pictures, Park Pictures, Soledad O’Brien Productions, and High Cotton Productions proudly announce the world premiere of The Perfect Neighbor at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. This powerful documentary reveals the devastating impact of Stand Your Ground laws and their role in perpetuating racialized violence, as seen through the tragic story of AJ Owens. The film invites viewers to confront the systemic inequities that enabled this tragedy and continue to harm marginalized communities.
Through exclusive police bodycam footage and investigative interviews, The Perfect Neighbor immerses viewers in the tragic events, culminating on June 2, 2023, with the neighbor’s final fatal interaction.
Learn more about the film here and screen from your own device Jan 30 – Feb. 3, 2025
In the News
FOX11 – Keith Porter: Family of man killed by ICE seeks justice |An off-duty ICE agent accused of a deadly New Year’s Eve shooting in Northridge is now facing shocking allegations of abuse and hateful remarks according to a new LA Times report. The family of the man shot, Keith Porter, are now seeking justice. LEARN MORE
NBC – Housekeeper killed in shooting after arriving at wrong house | In Indiana, a Guatemalan mother of four was shot through the door and killed after arriving at a house along with her husband in order to clean it. Police say the couple mistakenly went to the wrong home. NBC News’ Erin McLaughlin asks the county’s prosecutor if charges will be filed in the killing. LEARN MORE
WCJB – Ajike Owens’ family creates new fund for families affected by racial violence | Robinson says families apply online and funds can be distributed within two weeks. The money will cover legal fees, funeral costs, relocating, and other expenses that may occur while a family is grieving. LEARN MORE
MSNBC – ‘I was somewhat pleased with the sentencing,’ says the mother of AJ Owens’| Pamela Dias, the mother of Ajike “AJ” Owens joins MSNBC’s Rev. Al Sharpton to discuss the recent sentencing of Susan Lorincz for fatally shooting AJ Owens, as well as the recent fund that she and her family launched to help families ease their financial burdens after being affected by racial violence.LEARN MORE
MSNBC – Joy Reid of The Reid Out, speaks with AJ Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias | A year after AJ’s death, get an update on the upcoming trial and find out how the family is coping with this senseless tragedy. LEARN MORE
The View – Ajike Owens’ Mother, 10-Year-Old Son Share Their Grief Journey | Pamela Dias and her grandson Israel, joined by Brie Overton of Experience Camps, share how they are recovering after Owens was fatally shot by her neighbor in Ocala, FL in June 2023. LEARN MORE
CBS News – Bodycam shows moment police fatally shot Illinois woman Sonya Massey |Bodycam shows the moment police fatally shot 36-year-old Sonya Massey, who had called authorities over concerns about a prowler at her home. Illinois State Police released bodycam video of the incident. LEARN MORE
CBS News – Trayvon Martin Shooting |The Department of Justice’s announces they found insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights charges against George Zimmerman for the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin. LEARN MORE
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