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In a world where museums are increasingly working to set past collecting practices right, these films provide another point of reflection on the ongoing work of restitution. Join us for these provocative films and discussion to follow.—
“Meditjin” (dir. Entropico, 2019)
The official music video for “Meditjin” features Baker Boy rapping in his Native language of Yolngu Matha as well as English, alongside six Dancehall Dancers and two members of the Baker Boy family.
Dahomey (dir. Mati Diop, 2024)
Dahomey is a poetic and immersive work of art that delves into real perspectives on far-reaching issues surrounding appropriation, self-determination, and restitution. Set in November 2021, the documentary charts twenty-six royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey that are due to leave Paris and return to their country of origin: the present-day Republic of Benin.
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The Smithsonian’s Mother Tongue Film Festival celebrates cultural and language revitalization by showcasing films and filmmakers from around the world, highlighting the crucial role languages play in our daily lives.
The festival is a public program of Recovering Voices, a collaboration between Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, and the Asian Pacific American Center.
Image credit: Dahomey (film still)
ACCESSIBILITY
All films are fully open captioned or subtitled in English. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided for discussion. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of Natural History, 1000 Madison Dr NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States,Washington D.C.
