STILL WATERS is a documentary about the aftermath of the 2021 flood disaster in Germany’s Ahr Valley. Half a year later, we followed two residents through the winter, exploring their emotions, memories, and uncertain futures.

To avoid retraumatization, we deliberately excluded footage from the disaster night, focusing instead on the quiet resilience of the community as they faced the challenges of rebuilding. The film captures moments of hope amid destruction, like the return of a koi carp washed away by the flood.

The documentary also raises critical questions about climate priorities, reflecting on how the Nürburgring race track was built instead of flood protection after a similar disaster in 1910 – a pattern seen worldwide, from the Amazon to California.