German Doner Kebab (GDK) hit the big screen earlier this month when the popular fast-food franchise enjoyed a sizeable role in the recently-released urban comedy ‘Sumotherhood.’ The 97-minute film, which is directed by Adam Deacon and distributed by American production company Paramount Pictures, was released on October 13th.
Among those playing starring roles are actors Jennifer Saunders, Peter Serafinowicz and Richie Campbell, alongside musician Ed Sheeran, rapper Jammer, and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. And Glasgow-based business German Doner Kebab also features heavily in the comedy which is the sequel to the 2011 cult classic ‘Anuvahood’, which was also directed by Deacon.
The film is essentially a parody of UK gang culture and, to celebrate its release, GDK launched a limited edition ‘Sumotherhood’ food storage box which is available for takeaway and delivery across all UK stores – while stocks last. This special edition box features ‘Sumotherhood’ visuals, along with a QR code that enables purchasers to watch the film’s trailer.
Ed Duah, the director of Brand Partnerships at German Doner Kebab, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Paramount Pictures and Adam Deacon in his new film ‘Sumotherhood’. This is another of Adam’s culturally iconic films, with ‘Anuvahood’ still heavily discussed and relevant more than a decade after its release.
“Culture is at the heart of everything we do at GDK, and has been the key to our successes in the entertainment industry. This is a hotly anticipated sequel and we hope it’s just as successful as ‘Anuvahood’.”
John Fletcher, the Managing Director at Paramount Pictures UK, added: “We are excited to be working with BAFTA award-winning director Adam Deacon, in this highly-anticipated action-comedy ‘Sumotherhood’.
“We are proud to release films that forge deep connections with the world’s most diverse audiences, and ‘Sumotherhood’ is a hilarious comedy that perfectly parodies gang-culture in the UK. German Doner Kebab is a perfect partner for this release, as they are deeply rooted within UK culture thanks to partnerships with some of the nation’s biggest stars.”
A few days before ‘Sumotherhood’ was released, the film’s cast and crew organised a charity football tournament. Named the ‘Sumothercup’, the event took place on October 9th in London, with all money raised going to the charity Football Beyond Borders. BBC Sport covered the occasion. GDK entered a team into the tournament and provided 150 ‘Sumotherhood’ food boxes for teams and spectators.
Barry McNicholl, the film’s Executive Producer, said: “It’s been a dream partnership working alongside GDK. They completely understood what we were trying to achieve. They really grasp the shared culture and we can’t thank them enough for their collaboration.”
As for German Doner Kebab, the brand has over 130 restaurants in the UK alone, and almost 160 worldwide. GDK is one of Europe’s leading doner kebab chains. From its inception in Berlin in 1989, the company has grown considerably and now has its head offices in Scotland’s largest city.
In addition to its UK restaurants, there are outlets across continental Europe and the Middle East, and they also have a presence in Canada, Ireland and the United States. GDK have plans to open 400 global restaurants by the end of the decade, and there are a dozen new locations currently under construction in North America. Earlier this year, their first Saudi Arabia restaurant was opened in Riyadh.
GDK is revolutionising the kebab industry with premium, lean meats imported from Germany; combined with fresh, locally sourced vegetables. These are served in the company’s famous toasted waffle bread that has unique signature sauces and is freshly prepared in front of customers.
About German Doner Kebab: Is one of the quickest-growing, fast-casual dining brands. GDK offers a premium dining experience, and during its 34 years in business has developed exceptional products and recipes, having created their own unique blend of spices and signature sauces. They use lean, succulent meats from Germany, and handmade bread from Dubai, added to locally produced vegetables that are delivered and prepared daily.
About Sumotherhood: Set in London, the two key figures are Riko and Kane who have big dreams, no respect and are 15 grand in debt. In a bid to boost their bank balance, they decide to rob a UK megastar in the toilet of a London nightclub, while also attempting to steal from a local bank – but things inevitably don’t go to plan. During their exploits, they come face-to-face with one of East London’s toughest, meanest firms.
