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Recent News and Highlights
Corporate Partner Advises Nonprofit Film Makers on Documentary to Benefit Victims of Abuse
Peter Smeets, chair of the Frankfurt office and partner in the Corporate practice, recently provided pro bono assistance to the film makers Blancke & Deckenhardt Filmproduktion GbR Blancke & Degenhardt in connection with their project Der Schrei – Eine ganz alltägliche Geschichte (Scream – An Everyday Story). Mr. Smeets drafted the contracts for the entire production including financing documents as well as exploitation, licensing, actors and intellectual property rights. About the project: The film Der Schrei – Eine ganz alltägliche Geschichte is the true story of Kevin, a young man who was sexually abused by his father for many years. "The story is about hunger for love, loneliness, agony, fear, anger and hatred", said producer Carsten Deckenhardt, who was inspired by the victim's strength when bringing his story on screen. Proceeds from the ticket sales of Der Schrei support the Hänsel+Gretel fund which helps victims of sexual abuse. Another major supporter of the film was BBBank, who provided necessary funding and resources to the production company. Andreas Haas, board member of BBBank said of the project: "The commitment of companies has become increasingly important for non profit organizations because they are often the only partners who can provide funding. The protection of children's and adolescents' rights and the safeguarding of their interests is a major challenge of our society. This film project makes a valuable contribution because it creates a platform where the everyday mistreatment of children can be openly discussed. We believe that every child has the right to physical and psychological well-being." |
Frankfurt Partner Helps Bring Skateboarding to Impoverished Children in Afghanistan
Corporate partner Edouard Lange supplied pro bono legal support to Skateistan e.V., an organization that aims to bring skateboarding to the children and young adults of Afghanistan. This non-governmental organization reaches out to young Afghans from across social backgrounds and engages them in sports and other after-school activities, such as English and computer classes. Skateistan is also building the first indoor skate park in Kabul. Oliver Percovich's breakthrough came last October, when the Canadian, Norwegian and German governments gave way for a combined funding of $120,000. The park's construction is well underway, and Andreas Schüetzenberger, who has built 300 skate ramps in places like Israel and Mongolia through his company IOU Ramps, plans to install new ramps and platforms at no cost once Skateistan is built. "Afghan kids are just like any other kids all over the world, "Percovich said in an interview in The New York Times earlier this year." They just haven't been given the same opportunities. They need a positive environment to do positive things for Afghanistan and for themselves." For further information: www.skateistan.org |