Two Indian American filmmakers are making headlines at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Geeta Gandbhir’s documentary “The Perfect Neighbor” will compete in the U.S. Documentary Competition, exploring a neighbourhood dispute in Florida that escalates into fatal violence, highlighting the impact of “stand your ground” laws. Gandbhir, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, has an extensive portfolio, including HBO’s “Black and Missing” and the short “How We Get Free.”
Meanwhile, Rohan Kanawade’s Marathi film “Sabar Bonda” is the sole Indian entry in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. This poignant story captures queer life among India’s rural and lower-caste communities. Kanawade, known for his acclaimed short films like “U Ushacha,” marks his feature debut with “Sabar Bonda,” praised for its authentic storytelling and cinematography.
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival runs from January 9 to February 2, showcasing 87 feature films and 6 episodic projects.