The Hellenic Academics Association of Great Britain (HAA) is pleased to invite you to the screening of the film titled "THE FIRST LINE", that will take place at the Curzon Mayfair in London on 28th of September, from 18:00 to 21:00.

The film is set in modern day Athens amid the European economic crisis and political unrest. Two Greek lawyers, romantically intertwined, sue the British Museum for the return of the famous “Elgin Marbles” to Greece. They are inspired by the ancient bronze statue of Athena Promahos that once stood guard in front of the Parthenon – representing “the one who fights in the first line of battle” to defend democracy and the birth of Western civilization.

THE FIRST LINE has exclusively been acquired by Netflix and is available now to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the acquisition of the Parthenon Marbles by the British Museum. Written, produced, and directed by brothers Coerte and John Voorhees, the film stars Giancarlo Giannini (Casino Royale), Paul Freeman (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Michael Byrne (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade), renowned Greek actors Georges Corraface and Yorgo Voyagis, and introduces Pantelis Kodogiannis and Kassandra Voyagis. The film is Executive Produced by the Voorhees Family, Fotini Maniatis Kondos, Georgia Sarantopoulos, and Lauren Selig.

The Parthenon Marbles were removed by Lord Elgin and sold to the British Museum in 1816 and include the sculpted frieze, metopes, and 17 life-size pediment figures from the Parthenon. This seminal film showcases the story of the most famous stolen art debate in world history. In light of the Brexit and new legislation in Parliament calling for the return of the Marbles to Greece, this politically charged film is sure to stir a vehement debate.

“The Parthenon Marbles are so much more than just the most contested pieces of art in world history. They tell the story of the Athenian ideals of justice, freedom, and democracy. As such, they are a source of much needed inspiration and a unifying force in today’s divided world. We are thrilled that this important message will be available to millions of Netflix subscribers worldwide. ” – Coerte & John Voorhees

THE FIRST LINE was recently screened at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC and will screen this Wednesday in London on 28th of September at the Curzon Mayfair to celebrate the 200th anniversary with the stars of the film expected to be in attendance alongside celebrities, heads of state, politicians, and VIP supporters of the repatriation effort. For further information about the screening event, please contact: Jessica.Askham@ddapr.com