PHILADELPHIA-- Movie goers will be introduced to new works from Middle Eastern film makers and films about the region when the Middle East Center at the University of Pennsylvania joins with International House to host the area's first-ever Middle Eastern film festival.

Seven films by film makers from Africa, Asia, the United States and France will be screened during the free festival Oct. 23-27 at International House, 3701 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia.

"The festival will offer a fascinating glimpse of the richness of the region through the diversity of the themes and variety of cinematic approaches presented," said Maggie Nassif, one of the festival organizers and assistant director of the Middle East Center.

The first two films, "In The Shadow of the City" and "Gaza Strip," examine the effect of war on two young boys. "In The Shadow of the City will be screened Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. "Gaza Strip will be screened Oct. 24 at 8 p.m.

"Iranian Cinema After the 1979 Revolution" will launch the Iranian film component of the festival Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. A panel discussion with the film's director, Jamsheed Akrami, will immediately follow the screening.

"Blackboards," a film which won the prize for Best Drama in the Israel Academy Film Awards and Best Film in the Haifa International Film Festival will be screened at 8 p.m., Oct. 26.

The Middle East Film Festival was made possible through the cooperation of The Middle East Center, International House, Penn's Center for Judaic Studies:Kutchin Seminar Series and Hillel at Penn.