Our screening on Saturday 8 November will be followed by a Q&A with director David Wilkinson.
The Marbles is the explosive new documentary uncovering the world’s greatest art heist - the stealing/removal of the Parthenon Marbles - and the global fight to bring them home. From ancient theft to modern-day resistance, this is a story of empire, identity, and justice.
The Garden Cinema View:
David Wilkinson's documentary dissects one of the most disputed cultural debates between countries in recent history.
Controversy surrounding the Parthenon Marbles was reignited by a fervent request from Melina Mercouri, Greece's minister of culture in the 80s, and they have now become a global symbol of museum decolonisation. Wilkinson tackles every aspect of this thorny issue, from the original murky acquisition of the marbles (without the UK government's consent) to the present day arguments.
Most interestingly, the documentary broadens the discussion to include other museums' and galleries' recent practice of returning artefacts to their rightful owners, highlighting how countries around the world - and predominantly Scotland - have returned important cultural items acquired over the centuries. Contributors include the former Curator of World Cultures at Glasgow Museums, the retired director of Manchester Museum, academics from the University of Aberdeen, and not least, an impassioned Brian Cox.
