Greek authorities have turned down a request from acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his five Oscar nominations, to shoot scenes for his upcoming film “Bugonia” at the Acropolis, Greece’s most iconic ancient landmark.
The decision came from the Central Archaeological Council (KAS), which oversees the Acropolis site, including the Parthenon, a 5th-century BC temple honoring Athena, during a meeting held on Tuesday.
Lanthimos’ production company, Either/Or Productions, had applied through the Ministry of Culture to film at the historic citadel on April 10, with a plan that involved closing the site to the public for four days to accommodate setup and shooting. However, the council unanimously rejected the proposal, citing concerns over the extended closure of the popular tourist destination and the content of the planned scenes. Reports suggest the film’s climax features a post-apocalyptic vision with dead bodies strewn across the landscape.
In an attempt to offer a compromise, a council member proposed Filopappou Hill, a nearby location, as an alternative filming site, but the production team showed no interest in the suggestion.
“Bugonia,” a reimagining of the 2003 South Korean dark comedy “Save the Green Planet,” centers on two conspiracy theorists who abduct a powerful CEO, convinced she’s an alien plotting Earth’s demise. Penned by Will Tracy, the alien conspiracy drama marks another collaboration between Lanthimos and Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone, alongside Jesse Plemons. The film is slated for release in the US and Canada on November 7.
