Sunday Showcase/International Mother Language Day
Colours of the Alphabet
Directed by Alastair Cole

Sunday, February 25, 3 pm  CINEMA+

FREE

Tickets distributed from the box office kiosk starting at 2:30 pm

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”—Nelson Mandela

Colours of the Alphabet tells the story of three children and their families over two school terms, and asks the question: does the future have to be in English? The official language in Zambia is English, but there are seven national languages and 72 ethnic languages spoken in the country. How does anyone communicate in this living Tower of Babel?

This lyrical and beautifully filmed documentary is an eye-opening tale of the relationship between children and language from those first apprehensive days at school to the playground excitement at the end of term.

In a world where nearly 40% of the population lack access to education in their own language, Colours of the Alphabet is an affectionate and humorous portrayal of childhood innocence, misplaced hope, and the role of language as a means of binding a nation together – with multi-colored subtitles to reflect the multilingual reality of the classroom. 2016; New Zealand/United Kingdom/Zambia; video; in Soli, Nyanja, Bemba, and English with English subtitles; 80 minutes. Recommended for 12+.

Co-presented with the Office for Immigrant Affairs in recognition of International Mother Language Day.

CINEMA+ with a post-screening discussion moderated by Ruth Muñoz, Education Advocate with panelists Juna Mangar, Registered Nurse, Jefferson County Public Schools (Language – Magar and Nepali); Silvana Budge Insurance Compliance Professional (Language – Portuguese); Kathryn Punsly, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach (Language – Cantonese). With a special Spoken Word performance by Karina Barillas.

Multilingualism contributes to the development of inclusive societies that allow multiple cultures, worldviews, and knowledge systems to coexist and sustain itself. There are around 7,000 languages existing worldwide with nearly 2,400 of them on the verge of extinction. The initial celebration of International Mother Language Day was approved at the 1999 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference and has been observed globally since 2000.

International Mother Language Day promotes diversity, language learning, and helps preserve old languages. This year it was celebrated on Feb. 21st, and we are honored to add to this celebration. International Mother Language Day is a great day to celebrate your mother language, learn more about the history of another language, or begin learning a new language yourself.