When the Sea Was Calm (2026)

When the Sea Was Calm is an upcoming Georgian short animated film scheduled for release in 2026. Produced with a hand-crafted, silent aesthetic, the movie transforms the collective memory of Sokhumi before the war into a poetic narrative centered on childhood. The story follows a 13-year-old boy on the eve of the 1992 conflict who experiences his first love, only to have his childhood end abruptly when violence forces the girl he loves to flee.

The film serves as a poignant historical reflection, using animation to explore themes of innocence lost and the impact of geopolitical turmoil on personal lives. By focusing on intimate human connections against the backdrop of impending war, the creators aim to preserve the cultural and emotional landscape of Abkhazia prior to the hostilities.

• The film is entirely silent, relying on visual storytelling and animation rather than dialogue.
• It is a hand-crafted production that emphasizes traditional animation techniques to evoke nostalgia.
• The narrative is set specifically in Sokhumi during the critical period leading up to the 1992 war.
• The protagonist's journey marks the transition from childhood innocence to the harsh realities of conflict.