The catastrophic July 2021 flood in Germany shocked the world with its devastating impact, claiming the lives of over 180 people and causing heavy material damage worth billions of euros. Experts warned that such extreme weather events will become more frequent because of climate change. Lothar Schröder’s documentary highlights the intense suffering of those impacted and the unbreakable spirit of volunteers who offered help to those affected. It also reveals how, even today, large areas continue to bear the scars of this disaster.
Beyond a natural disaster documentary, the film masterfully captures the indomitable resilience of the human spirit. The documentary covers the most human and touching experiences of both victims and those who offered assistance, including farmers who arrived in tractors to clear roads and volunteers who traveled to different regions to offer a helping hand. It is exceptional storytelling, meticulously woven with vivid imagery, that brings to light the dark impact of natural calamities on human lives. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in environmentalism, humanity, and the power of human kindness through crisis.