Filmmaker Mani Amar killed in fight with Surrey neighbour: police

Investigators and relatives have identified a man they say was killed when a fight between neighbours in Surrey, B.C., escalated on Wednesday.

Family confirmed withCBCon Thursday that the victim is the filmmaker Manbir(Mani)Amar, who isknown for his films and advocacy concerning gang violence in the city.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) saidAmardied after he was assaulted in the 14100-block of 61 Avenue around 1:50 p.m. PT.

RCMP had been called to the area, in the Newton neighbourhood, for reports of a fight between two men. A statement Thursday said officers found Amarinjured, and he later died.

"This was an isolated incident between two neighbours," IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierottiwrote in the statement.

"Tragically, this situation escalated to a point where a life was taken."

WATCH |Filmmaker remembered as an anti-violence advocate:

Filmmaker killed in Surrey remembered as anti-violence advocate

2 years ago

Duration 0:25

Investigators have identified a man they say was killed in a fight between neighbours in Surrey as documentary filmmaker Mani Amar. Karen Reid Sidhu with the Surrey Crime Prevention Society said Amar worked with her organization, which tries to keep youth out of gang life.

Mounties found a suspect at thescene and arrested him, the statement said.

The suspectwas not publicly identified, but IHIT identified Amar"in hopes of advancing the investigation."

RCMP are asking anyone who has information on the incident whohasn't already spoken to police to contact IHIT.

'He left a legacy'

Amar's family released a statement through IHIT, describing the impact he had on both his family and the community as a whole.

"Mani was a devoted father, brother, son and friend. A talented individual who devoted his life to activism and the arts," said brotherGurbinder Amar.

"Through poetry, prose, philosophy, painting, photography and filmmaking, Mani touched the lives of many individuals. He will be deeply missed."

For years, Amar put the spotlight on gang violencewith his advocacy and filmmaking.

Karen Reid Sidhu with the Surrey Crime Prevention Society said Amar worked with her organization and provided valuable insights into the minds of young people feeling the lure of gang life.

"He had had enough about all the shootings that were going on, and the youth involved in gangs," Sidhu said.

"He had such a passion to help kids try and stay off the path of gang activity. And now he's no longer with us."

He saw the value in mentorship from other youths, Sidhu said, recognizing adult voices may not have as much of an impact.

He understood the need to reach young men early before they become entrenched in the gang lifestyle.

Sidhu said Amar was especially saddened to see young South Asian men getting into gang life.

"He was adamant about saying, this is not what represents the South Asian community, but it is unfortunately something that's happening right now," she said. "He was very passionate about that."

"He left a legacy," Sidhu said.

IMDB credits Amar with three films: a short, a documentary, and a feature film titledFootsteps Into Gangland, described as an "adaptation of true events that have shattered the South Asian community of Vancouver."

Mannu Sandhu, who appeared in the film, says it exposed what was happening in the community and informed parents.

"[Amar] really made the conversation happen," she said, adding she'llalways remember his empathy.

"Anything that would happen in the community related to gang violence, his heart would bleed."