This series takes as a starting point that water and the fight to control it have shaped human societies from the dawn of civilization to the present, and that it also will shape our future.

The series (3 progr. à 52 min) tells the story of how the struggle to control and use water will have great impact on political power relations world wide and influence war and peace and the destinies of countries and entire continents. This is especially the case in a period when fear of climatic changes has become a dominant worry worldwide, and when all societies have to prepare for changes in the water landscape.

This film takes the viewer on a global journey, presenting a comprehensive, coherent narrative of the role of water for the development of modern societies. By viewing global developments through the prism of water, it crystallizes an unusual and exciting perspective on the future of humanity and the water on which it depends.

The documentary has unique footage of projects and places never visited by film teams before. Interviews with statesmen, experts and ordinary people affected by water-issues provide an understanding of how huge projects and controversial plans are intended to save cities, countries and continents, but also of how the larger picture will impact ordinary citizens.

The host of the series, Professor Dr. Terje Tvedt, is a true water-man, and has studied the role of water in history and development for years and has published extensively on water issues.

Produced by Panopticon AS in cooperation with the University of Bergen