The Smithsonian's Mother Tongue Film Festival celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity by showcasing films and filmmakers from around the world, highlighting the crucial role languages play in our daily lives.

In 2025, we celebrate the festival's tenth year with ten days of free programming: in person in Washington, DC, February 20-23 and online February 24-March 1.

All events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required unless otherwise noted.

Schedule of Events:

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Baird Auditorium, Natural History Museum
02:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Lives in Motion Baird Auditorium, Natural History Museum
05:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Redemption and Duty Baird Auditorium, Natural History Museum
07:00 pm - 8:15 pm: Restitution Baird Auditorium, Natural History Museum