Water scarcity, food security and sustainable energy supply are among the greatest challenges of our time. These interconnected issues are at the heart of Facing the Unknown, a multi-award-winning documentary produced by EESC member Paul Rübig. The film, directed by Dieter-Michael Grohmann, premiered recently in Brussels and has been recognised at several international festivals.

Facing the Unknown follows Luna, a young Belgian student, as she explores the growing global water crisis and its implications for Europe’s future. Through her journey, the documentary examines how water scarcity threatens not only the environment but also economic stability, food security and energy supply. Featuring insights from experts and industry leaders, the film sheds light on how water shortages affect people, businesses and communities, while exploring solutions at local, national and global levels.

The documentary is inspired by Emergency Preparedness, the book co-authored by Paul Rübig and Achim Kaspar, which outlines strategies for the smarter and fairer use of global resources. ‘In the film and book, we show how global resources can be used more intelligently and equitably. This has been a personal concern of mine for many years,’ said Mr Rübig.

Since its release, Facing the Unknown has won six international awards at film festivals in the USA and Venezuela, including Best Environmental Documentary at the Los Angeles Film and Documentary Awards.

The documentary’s message strongly aligns with the EU’s recently published Water Resilience Strategy and the EESC’s call for an EU Blue Deal. The strategy marks a significant step forward in addressing Europe’s growing water challenges, and the film provides a powerful reminder of why immediate and coordinated action is essential.

In the photo after the film premiere in Brussels, from left to right: co-producer Adam El Meziani, Paul Rübig, lead actress Luna de Mesmaeker and director Dieter-Michael Grohmann.