Mimi Denisi Doco Takes Parthenon Sculptures Campaign to Europe

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Loverdos met actress, director and writer Mimi Denisi on Friday to discuss the European screenings of her documentary The Woman Behind Elgin, which examines the theft of the Parthenon Sculptures.

Loverdos praised Denisi for producing the documentary, which explores Lord Elgin’s removal of the Parthenon Sculptures during the Ottoman occupation of Athens, including the destruction of parts of the collection and the transfer of surviving pieces to England.

He stressed that the Sculptures must return to Greece, describing their reunification as a lifelong dream for the entire country.

Loverdos also pledged support for the documentary’s international screenings, including in Europe and the United States, as well as other locations where the film will reach audiences. He said the initiative aims to raise global public awareness and advance Greece’s national objective of securing the return of the Parthenon Sculptures.

Read more: Parthenon Fragment Return Deal Faces Legal Challenge in Italy

Denisi thanked Loverdos for his support, emphasising that the campaign serves the interests of Greece rather than the personal or institutional promotion of those involved.

She said the documentary could contribute to the effort through cultural diplomacy, explaining that while political leaders make significant efforts to achieve the goal, they must also maintain diplomatic balances. Art and cultural diplomacy, she argued, enjoy greater freedom of action.

Denisi added that the documentary targets a broad audience, noting that even some Greeks do not fully understand what happened to the Parthenon Sculptures or precisely what Greece seeks.

She stressed that Greece does not intend to challenge the collections of museums worldwide but specifically seeks the reunification of the Parthenon frieze.

The documentary’s official premiere took place in June 2026 at the Acropolis Museum before a packed audience. President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas attended the screening and delivered the keynote address.

Tanweer Group CEO Producer Joseph Samaan and his wife, Majd Samaan at the June premiere of The Woman Behind Elgin.(Source: AMNA)

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