Film-goers can see films from as far afield as Bosnia, Pakistan, Iraq and Iran, in Oxford this week.

The Muslim Education Centre of Oxford has organised the inaugural Muslim Film Festival, which is showing 13 films from the Islamic world at the Burton Taylor Studio, in Beaumont Street, until Saturday.

Meco chairman Dr Taj Hargey said: "Meco has a long-standing commitment to building bridges of dialogue between cultures and creeds and what better way to do this than through the genre of film?

"We believe this festival is the first of its kind anywhere in the United Kingdom. We're showing a stunning selection of films from around the Islamic World and every film makes a distinctive contribution in bringing greater understanding about the critical intersection of religion and politics."

Each screening will be followed by a discussion, led by art critics and academic experts, about the cinematic merits and the issues raised by each film and free background notes and director/actor information will be also be provided.

Dr Hargey added: "The films are open to all ages and all faiths and we hope they will entice people and families to come along and see Muslim film at its best and also join in discussing the subject of each film in a relaxing and informative fashion."

For more details, see www.meco.org.uk or www.burtontaylor.co.uk Tickets can be bought in advance from the Oxford Playhouse box office or at the door, priced £5 for adults and £4 for concessions.

What's on

Tomorrow: 5pm, Osama (Afghanistan); 8pm, Paradise Now (Palestine); Thursday: 5pm, Le Grande Voyage (France), 8pm, Grbavica (Bosnia); Friday: 5pm, Mutluluk (Turkey); 8pm Rana's Wedding (Palestine); Saturday: 2 pm Moolaade (Mali); 5pm, Offside (Iran); 8pm, Yasmin (UK).