Documentary Film “Simple As Water” Features Akin Gump Pro Bono Clients, Debuts at Tribeca Film Festival
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(L) Akin Gump pro bono partner Steven Schulman’s appearance in the film Simple As Water
(R) Pictured at the Tribeca Film Festival World Premiere: (l-to-r) Abed Sabha, director Megan Mylan, producer Robin Hessman, and Omar Sabha
(New York) Simple As Water, a new documentary film directed by Academy Award winner Megan Mylan, debuted on June 20, 2021, as part of the Tribeca Film Festival. The film, which features Akin Gump pro bono clients Omar and Abed Sabha, is “a look at the impact of war, separation and displacement…taking us into Syrian families’ quests for normalcy and through the whirlwind of obstacles—to building life anew. Filmed in Turkey, Greece, Germany, Syria and the US.” The post-screening discussion with Ms. Mylan and the Sabhas was moderated by Anne Barnard, New York Times Bureau Chief, Beirut (2012-2018).
Akin Gump has been representing brothers Omar and Abed Sabha pro bono in their U.S. asylum petitions. Abed Sabha’s petition has already been granted; Omar continues to seek asylum at the immigration court.
Akin Gump pro bono partner Steven Schulman, who appears in the documentary speaking with Omar Sabha, commented on the film: “Simple As Water does a phenomenal job delving into the personal stories of refugees like the Sabhas. We have worked with Omar and Abed for many years, and I know firsthand how impactful and inspiring their stories are. Thanks to this film, now the world does too.”
Added Ms. Mylan, “I’m so grateful to Steve for introducing me to Omar and Abed. The respect and gratitude they feel towards him was a wonderful point of entry for building the relationship of trust that is so essential for documentary filmmaking. The incredible pro bono work that Steve and the Akin Gump team do on behalf of asylum-seekers is an inspiration.”
Beyond Mr. Schulman, members of the Akin Gump team advising the Sabhas include pro bono counsel Lauren Connell, associate Amanda Lowe and practice attorney Ellen Pierce.
More information about Simple As Water can be found on the Tribeca Film festival’s website here.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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