Arabs are not the only people who inhabit the Middle East. This year’s Middle East Week focuses on a non-Arab people much in the news lately, the Kurds.

“Scattered Seeds of Hanareh: The New Kurdish Cinema” is the theme of the film series that is the week’s main event. Films by Kurdish filmmakers in Iran, Turkey and further abroad, such as “Marooned in Iraq” by Bahman Ghobadi (photo), examine the awkward cultural and geopolitical space the stateless Kurds occupy.

In addition to the film series, Middle East Week includes a photo exhibit from the Al-Bustan summer day camp at the Morris Arboretum and a reception and performance on Friday, Feb. 20, featuring Middle Eastern food and poetry, dance and song from I-House residents and alumni. The event is co-sponsored by Penn’s Middle East Center and the Solomon Asch Center for Ethno-political Conflict.

— S.S.

- MIDDLE EAST WEEK: Tuesday, Feb. 17, through Sunday, Feb. 24, at International House, 3701 Chestnut St. Reception and performance: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at International House. See day-by-day listings for exhibit and film information.