Gay sex scene filmed on Acropolis sparks furious investigation by authorities who label movie 'shameful'

Greece’s Culture Ministry has launched an investigation 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 December 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 archaeological site of the Acropolis is not suitable for any kind of activism or other activity which would cause offence 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.”