My niece when aged 11 greatly enjoyed 2 Iranian films as her introduction to international (i.e not in English) cinema. The Apple by Samira Makhmalbaf (who was only 18 when she directed it) is about 2 girls who are confined to their small home and yard by their severely traditional father, until a Social worker's visit enables them to explore the city outside. The White Balloon, by Jafar Panahi, is a charming tale of a young girl who is in a race against time to buy a pretty goldfish before the shops shut for New Year.