The Non Violence International Film Festival 2008

'An enemy is someone whose story we have not heard.' This incisive phrase, coined by Quaker peace activist, Gene Knudsen-Hoffman, speaks to the critical need to build positive links between the Middle East and the United States. 'A World Without Strangers,' links five college-age women from the United States and the Middle East in a media-based dialogue that explores and challenges cross-cultural misconceptions. By sharing their stories and personal photo diaries, the women begin the first steps in extinguishing fallacies and recognizing their commonalities. As Lauren, an American participant exclaims at the end of the program, 'They're just like us.'??Kelly Briley, a co-producer of the documentary, presents the video. Living and traveling throughout the Middle East for two years gave Kelly the chance to challenge her own preconceptions about the Middle East. 'A World Without Strangers' is the culmination of that experience.