With the Spirit of Kurdish Culture and Mother Language

With the Spirit of Kurdish Culture and Mother Language:

This phrase evokes a powerful image of unity and resilience among people who come together to celebrate and preserve their native language. It promotes a sense of pride, identity, and cultural heritage tied to the mother tongue.

International Mother Language Day is observed annually on February 21st and was established by the United Nations to promote linguistic and cultural diversity. The Slemani International Film Festival, now approaching its fifth edition, gathers voices, colors, and languages from around the world, emphasizing the importance of protecting and respecting native languages.

The first four editions of the Sulaimani International Film Festival took place in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, each with a distinct theme and message.

In 2025, the festival will host its fifth edition under the theme "With the Spirit of Kurdish Culture and Mother Language"—a powerful statement of linguistic identity and cultural pride for our city and country. The festival will highlight the power of language in uniting people and the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural diversity for future generations. We hope February 21st, International Mother Language Day, becomes an opportunity to showcase films that reflect these values.