KEY POINTS:
A scholarship to help steer youngsters away from a life of crime will come as a result of thousands of dollars raised for the family of slain Riverton liquor store owner Navtej Singh.
At a benefit screening of new Kiwi film Apron Strings held in Manukau this week, about $13,000 was raised for the family of Mr Singh, who was killed during an armed robbery in June.
Around 500 guests turned out to the viewing, where Mr Singh's wife Harjinder Kaur, his father Nahar Singh and other family members attended.
Verpal Singh, of the Sikh Council of New Zealand, said Mr Singh's family were touched by the well wishers and support from people within the local South Auckland and wider New Zealand community.
"A whole lot of people came about to support the family and they're very touched by that.
"They are thinking of setting up a memorial scholarship to keep Navtej's name and memory alive - not to be remembered in a negative way or being related to crime, but a positive impact on the community."
Mr Singh, secretary for the Sikh Council, acknowledged the special viewing of the film - which deals with cultural clashes particularly between an Indian Sikh and Pakeha family - put a better light on the South Auckland community.
"South Auckland has been painted as communities against each other and that is far from reality. There were Samoans, Maori, Pakeha and Indian people there [at the screening] - it was representative of the South Auckland community being united."
He acknowledged it was good to know that many people had been able to look at the incident as the act of a few and not one supported by an entire community.
"All the people related to Navtej and the incident - they related to it at a human perspective and not just a crime-related incident in South Auckland," he said.
Apron Strings, a first feature film for director Sima Urale, deals with issues of prejudice, violence, anger and grief - as well as hope.
Ms Urale told the audience the special screening was a gift to Navtej Singh's family.
She said it was an honour to present the film in a unique way - which resulted in helping a family who went through a tragedy.
"It was a real privilege to be able to show our film to help fundraise for the Singh family."
She acknowledged the movie illustrated the importance of being culturally aware of all cultures.
"During filming, I learned a lot about the Sikh community. They were really welcoming and warm, very gentle-natured people.
"It's real important to be able to go up to a person - not being scared because they're different. It's like that in all cultures."
