World Premiere

Central Scotland Documentary Festival is delighted to welcome back David Nicholas Wilkinson to open this year's festival with the World Premiere of his topical documentary, The Marbles.

The Marbles explores the long-standing debate over the Parthenon Marbles, taken by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and now housed in the British Museum. While Greece argues they were illegally removed and are central to its national identity, the Museum maintains their legal acquisition and global context in London.

Despite numerous requests for their return, the British Museum cannot comply with Greek demands, as the British Museums Act 1963 prevents it from doing so, forbidding their removal from London WC2 without a change in the law. With both sides holding firm to the impasse of their positions, the debate remains unresolved.

The film traces the campaign for repatriation, beginning with Melina Mercouri in 1983, and highlights Scotland’s pioneering role in returning contested artefacts. Filmed from March 25, 2021 - the 200th anniversary of Greek independence - the documentary examines both sides of the debate, revealing the tensions between historical justice, cultural heritage and legal constraints.

Q&A
Following the screening there will be a Q&A with David Nicholas Wilkinson & guests.

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