Investigation ordered over movie with sex scene at Acropolis

Fireworks explode over the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill during New Year's celebrations in Athens, Greece, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)

ATHENS, Greece — Greece's Culture Ministry launched an investigation Friday following the online release of a short film showing two men having sex at the ancient Acropolis in Athens.

The 36-minute movie, titled "Departhenon," was released on Dec. 21 but came to the attention of authorities this week.

The Culture Ministry said it did not give permission for the Acropolis film shoot.

"The archeological site of the Acropolis is not suitable for any kind of activism or other activity which would cause offense and displays disrespect for the monument," the ministry said in a statement.

The movie contains several explicit scenes involving male and female actors whose faces are not shown. The scene at the Acropolis shows two men having sex while standing in a circle formed by other actors. Visitors to the ancient site can be seen walking close by.

The makers of the film, who remained anonymous, described it as "artwork that is also a political action."

Spyros Bibilas, the president of the Greek Actors' Association, described the movie as shameful.

"You can't do everything in the name of activism. In fact, I don't consider this to be activism," he told TV network Antenna. "As a Greek, I feel ashamed."