Washington, DC (May 20, 2013) – On Wednesday, May 29, the Moroccan American Cultural Center (MACC) will host a public screening of the award-winning documentary “Tinghir-Jerusalem: Echoes from the Mellah,” as a culmination of the Center’s month-long salute to Jewish American Heritage Month. To be held at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the event will feature a live- streaming discussion with filmmaker Kamal Hachkar — a Muslim French-Moroccan — on how he came to make the film, and what he learned about the Moroccan Jewish experience.

“Morocco is one of the few countries in the Arab world today to formally recognize the important cultural contribution that its Jewish population has made to the country’s heritage and history,” said Edward Gabriel, Former US Ambassador to Morocco and CEO of the Moroccan American Center. “We are pleased to be able to showcase a film that highlights this unique relationship, and that can serve as an example to the world of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.”

“Tinghir-Jerusalem” was named “Best Film” at the Rabat International Film Festival for Human Rights, 2012; “Best Documentary” at the World Jewish Film Festival, 2012; and “Best First Film” at the Tangier National Film Festival, 2013. In it, first-time documentarian Kamal Hachkar explores the near-forgotten history of the Jews who once lived in his hometown of Tinghir (Tangier), Morocco. His journey takes him from the old mellah—or Jewish Quarter—of the city, to Israel, where he meets men and women who still hold Morocco dear in their hearts even after decades.

For more on Moroccan culture and Moroccan-American Jewish heritage, visit https://moroccoonthemove.com. Also follow us on Twitter – @MorocOnTheMove and Facebook –http://www.facebook.com/MoroccoOnTheMove

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The Moroccan American Cultural Center (MACC) is a not-for-profit 501 c (3) organization which works to build stronger cultural and educational ties between Morocco and the U.S. through its support of programs that enhance bilateral relations and cooperation. Created in 2003 as an initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, MACC has undertaken a range of projects which include hosting events that celebrate and share the rich diversity of Moroccan culture, and supporting programs that enhance cultural and educational ties between the U.S. and Morocco as well as across the Maghreb. For more information, go to www.moroccanamericanculture.org.