Human Rights Commission
Media release
12 August, 2008
Benefit screening raises $13,000 for murder victim’s family
More than $13,000 was raised for the family of murdered Manurewa shop keeper Navtej Singh last night at a benefit
screening of the film Apron Strings at the Berkeley Cinema, Botany Downs in Manukau city.
The audience included members of the Singh family, the Sikh community and many other South Auckland communities.
The film, by New Zealand Samoan director Sima Urale, is set in South Auckland and features a Sikh and a Pakeha family
and a diverse production team and cast. Sima Urale told the audience that the screening was a “gift” to the family.
Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres said he had been approached by Film Commission Chief Executive Ruth Harley
about a benefit screening because the film dealt with issues of anger, violence, grief and prejudice but ended with
hope. Manukau City Council agreed to organise the event which was supported by all those involved in the production and
distribution of the film, corporate sponsors and the ASB Trust.
Mr de Bres said that like the hui at Manurewa marae earlier this month, where Te Hapu o Tupango hosted members of the
South Auckland Asian community, the event showed how communities in South Auckland were taking responsibility to address
issues sparked by the tragic death of Navtej Singh.
After the screening he said, “The right to safety is a fundamental human right that we are all responsible for
upholding.
“The full house and the response of the audience tonight show that the communities of South Auckland value a tolerant,
inclusive, diverse and above all safe community.”
Apron Strings opens for general release on Thursday.
ENDS