ZDF to launch a German Adaptation of NBCUniversal Formats’ "Safe Harbour"

ZDF has committed to launching the german adaptation of NBCUniversal Formats' "Safe Harbour," "Liberame - Nach dem Sturm." “'Safe Harbour' is a thrillingly urgent and timely series that lends itself perfectly to international adaptation," Ana Langenberg, SVP of Formats & Sales, NBCUniversal Formats said. "We are incredibly proud to be telling this powerfully universal story in partnership with our friends at Bantry Bay Productions, and excited for Liberame - Nach dem Sturm to launch on such an esteemed local broadcaster as ZDF.” 

The producers for the new version are Eva Holtmann, Eva Kaesgen and Junior Producer Ina Philipps, with Astrid Ströher and Marco Wiersch serving as writers. The director of photography is Christian Huck. Jasmin Maeda and Elke Müller are the commissioners. Laura Wachauf is the series editor. The series was filmed in Hamburg and Malta. NBCUniversal Global Distribution is distributing ‘Liberame - Nach dem Sturm’ internationally. The original series produced by Matchbox Pictures was created by Phil Enchelmaier and Simon Kennedy with Belinda Chayko. Developed with Matt Cameron, Stephen Corvini and Anthony Mullins.

The cast, directed by Adolfo J. Kolmerer, includes Friedrich Mücke, Johanna Wokalek, Mohamed Achour, Kenda Hmeidan, Ina Weisse, Tariq Al-Saies, Natalia Belitski, Marc Benjamin, Mina-Giselle Rüffer, and Shadi Eck. "Liberame - Nach dem Sturm" is a Bantry Bay Productions GmbH production in association with Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. The format was licensed to Bantry Bay Productions by NBCUniversal Formats. 

The title tells the story of a sailing trip on the Mediterranean. It follows Jan (Friedrich Mücke) and Caro (Johanna Wokalek) are on a sailing trip on the Mediterranean Sea with Jan's sister (Natalia Belitski), her friend Daniel (Marc Benjamin) and Helene (Ina Weisse) when they encounter a broken-down boat with refugees in distress. The yacht is their only chance of rescue. Should the vacationers help the desperate people and risk being arrested on land? Or should they leave them to their fate? They decide to tow the refugee boat. But the next morning, it's gone without a trace. The towline has broken.  Years later, Jan meets Ismail (Mohamed Achour) seemingly by chance, the father of the Syrian refugee family who was on the boat at the time and who suspects him of cutting the towline. Seven people drowned, including Ismail and Zahra's (Kenda Hmeidan) daughter.