The Marbles, a documentary by filmmaker and Stirling 900 awardee David Nicholas Wilkinson, has been announced as the opening film for the 2025 edition of Central Scotland Documentary Festival (CSDF).
Wilkinson, who screened the work-in-progress version of his film at last year’s CSDF, will return with the world-premiere of the dynamic finished work exploring the controversial topic of artefact repatriation. The film takes an in-depth look at the story of the Parthenon marbles, which were taken from Greece by Lord Elgin during the 19th century, bought by the British government and installed at the British Museum in London, where they remain today. Greece has been lobbying for their return to the country for almost 200 years.
Wilkinson attempts to answer the complex question of how former colonial powers should endeavour to make amends for unethical activity in their history. He argues that Scotland should hold the title as leading country in the world for repatriating artefacts and human remains which were taken during its colonial past.
Notable participants in the documentary include actor Brian Cox, Neil Curtis (Head of Museums and Special Collections at the University of Aberdeen), Patricia Allan (Former Curator of World Cultures at Glasgow Museums) and retired businessman Tom Minogue, who help to tell the story of Scotland's involvement in this pioneering work.
The piece has also prompted a statement from the Scottish government, which is included in the film. Wilkinson maintains that this is far more comprehensive and far-ranging than any statement put out by governments anywhere in the world when confronting dubiously acquired artefacts. He argues that the example set by Glasgow City Council regarding the Ghost Dance Shirt should serve as a blueprint for former colonial countries everywhere.
David Nicholas Wilkinson, Director of The Marbles commented:
“Every filmmaker hopes their film will be awarded the prestigious opening night slot at a film festival. Not only am I thrilled that The Marbles has received this honour, but it is also gratifying that it is at the Central Scotland Documentary Festival, which has now become the only film celebration event in the world to screen all four documentaries I have directed, and also, because Scotland has become the hero of the film.”
Grahame Reid, Festival Director of the Central Scotland Documentary Festival commented:
“Getting to see the work-in-progress version of The Marbles was one of the highlights of CSDF24, so naturally the finished piece is the perfect film to open this year’s festival. I can’t wait for audiences to experience David’s incredibly special documentary.”
Tickets for the screening will be on sale in August 2025.