It’s a busy time for film lovers in Washington, D.C. There are multiple film festivals taking place in the area over the next few weeks, with two of them starting today, February 21, 2024. Here’s a rundown of some of the film festivals for you to check out:
First up is the Smithsonian’s Mother Tongue Film Festival, which is centered around language and culture, featuring films and filmmakers from around the world in over a dozen different languages. This year’s theme is “Finding Balance” and will showcase films that explore “the drive to find balance and harmony within our world, communities, families, and selves.”
The Mother Tongue Film Festival kicks off tonight, February 21, with a 7 PM showing of Frybread Face and Me in the Rasmuson Theater at the National Museum of the American Indian and will run through Saturday, February 24. All events are free and open to the public, although some require advance registration.
You can learn more about the Mother Tongue Film Festival and view its schedule here.
The other film festival opening today is the D.C. Independent Film Forum, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary of spotlighting indie filmmaking. This year’s DCIFF features over 40 independent feature films, documentaries, shorts, and animated films, as well as workshops, seminars, and other in-person events.
The DCIFF opening night starts with a reception at 6 PM at E-Street Theater, followed by a 7 PM screening of the documentary feature film Meeting Zelenskyy. Afterwards, there will be a panel discussion with the filmmakers. You can buy tickets for individual screenings or buy all-access festival passes.
You can learn more about the DCIFF and view its schedule here.
If you’re looking for something to do next weekend, check out the 18th annual Capital Irish Film Festival, which showcases the work of independent Irish and Ireland-based filmmakers. This year’s lineup includes 17 feature films, 20 short films, and introductions and in-person Q&As with filmmakers.
The CIFF runs from February 29 through March 3 and takes place in the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, Maryland. Day 1 includes screenings of the dramatic feature film Lies We Tell and the documentary Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan. All-access passes to the festival are no longer on sale, but you can still book tickets for individual screenings.
You can learn more about the CIFF and view its schedule here.