In the wake of recent events, Americans have been seeking ways to broaden their understanding of the history, customs, and life of the Middle East. Copies of the Koran are in high demand from bookstores; New York Times bestsellers have included Islam: A Short History and From Beirut to Jerusalem. The cinema, too, offers a unique portal into understandings of the contemporary Arab world. As a contribution to this national discussion, the HFA brings together a group of films that focus specifically on challenges faced by children in areas of the world too long isolated from view within America (as well as one on the plight of women in Afghanistan). Through these examinations of young lives, we hope to add to the awakening public consciousness of social issues in a range of nations from Africa to the Middle East.