The Marbles | Stolen, Sold and Displayed for 200 years

The Parthenon Marbles have been stolen. Then sold. Then they were fought over for the next 200-odd years. Now the greatest heist in art history is finally being exposed to a global audience.

For over 200 years, the Parthenon Sculptures have sat in the British Museum — trophies of empire to some, stolen heritage to others. THE MARBLES is the definitive documentary on the world’s most bitter cultural tug-of-war: who owns history?

From the passionate campaign of actress-turned-minister Melina Mercouri to today’s quiet diplomacy, the film shows how Britain’s refusal to return the marbles pits law against justice, politics against identity. Featuring exclusive testimony from leading voices in the arts, politics, and law, alongside members of the Greek diaspora whose identities are linked to the stones, the film uncovers the human passion behind a centuries-old dispute.

With striking imagery from Athens to London, and a spotlight on Scotland’s surprising role as a pioneer in repatriation, THE MARBLES shows how the question of return has never been more urgent.

At stake is more than stone — it is the soul of heritage itself.

Speaking on the release director David Wilkinson said “In the grand scheme of things, returning the Parthenon Marbles is a relatively minor issue. However, in a fractured and divided world, we must value friendly nations with whom we share many commonalities and treat one another with respect. Greece is a friend to the UK, but we are not showing this friend the esteem and decency they deserve. After more than 200 years, it is time to correct a historic wrong and “do the right thing.”

“Since the Parthenon Marbles are still housed in the British Museum, I am fully aware that I have finished my film somewhat prematurely. When I started filming, I had COVID hair and a large, unkempt beard, but I finished it with chemo hair and a reluctantly shaved-off beard with the whisper of ‘Time Waits For No Man’ ringing in my ears; I had to complete THE MARBLES while and how I could.”

The Marbles is coming to UK & Irish Cinemas from 7th November