The film follows a mother and her child as they prepare to leave their home under the pressure of an approaching threat. Rather than depicting violence directly, It’s Quiet Now focuses on moments of hesitation, fear, and attachment to everyday life objects, routines, and spaces that suddenly become fragile. In doing so, the film highlights how displacement is experienced not only as a physical act but as a profound emotional rupture.
Directed and animated by Flaka Kokolli, the film chooses animation as a way to move smoothly between realism and abstraction. Using sound and visual metaphors like wind, silence, and empty spaces, it captures the uncertainty and disorientation of those who are forced to leave, without showing anything graphic. This creates room for empathy, reflection, and emotional connection. The script, written by Jakov Poposki from Bager Genesis 2.0, is inspired by the real experiences of displaced women, bringing forward voices that are often overlooked. Told through a quiet and intimate story, the film highlights the specific challenges women face as caregivers during moments of crisis.
The production was coordinated by Neal Raimi, Project Manager at the Pro Peace Office in North Macedonia, as part of ongoing efforts to support storytelling as a peacebuilding practice. By transforming personal testimonies into an animated film, It’s Quiet Now contributes to preserving memory, fostering dialogue, and encouraging a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of displacement in post-conflict societies.