Mimi Denisi’s documentary about the removal of the Parthenon Sculptures is heading to Brussels as Greece uses cultural events to broaden support for their return. A November 19 screening is planned at W:Halll in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, followed by a discussion about reunification and cultural diplomacy.
Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Loverdos expressed support for the effort during a meeting with Denisi. He said the ministry would support presentations of the film in Europe, the United States and elsewhere to raise awareness of Greece’s position. Denisi noted that art could contribute to the campaign in ways that complemented political diplomacy.
A film built around Mary Nisbet’s letters
The dramatized documentary, titled “The Woman Behind Elgin,” uses the correspondence of Mary Nisbet, Lord Elgin’s wife, to examine her involvement in the removal of the sculptures.
Denisi wrote the screenplay and Katerina Evangelakou directed the film. Acropolis Museum director Nikos Stampolidis served as historical adviser. LUMAD produced it in cooperation with Greek public broadcaster ERT.
The film premiered at the Acropolis Museum in June. Its Brussels presentation is part of an effort to take the argument to audiences outside Greece through the story of the people involved in the sculptures’ removal.
Discussion to follow the screening
The Brussels screening is set to take place at 7 p.m. Greece’s permanent representative to UNESCO, Giorgos Koumoutsakos will paricipate in a Q&A afterwards. The planned discussion includes Denisi, Ghent University archaeologist Roald Docter and International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures president Kris Tytgat.
The event is under the auspices of the Greek Embassy in Belgium with support from the Greek National Tourism Organization, Ghent University and the international reunification association.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
