Argentina kicks off the Copa América in the city where the film was filmed, including key scenes at the High Museum of Art and on the campus of Atlanta University.
Atlanta is not only known for its vibrant culture and its role as a major film production center, but it is also preparing to host one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year: the Copa América 2024. The Argentine national team’s campaign will begin in this emblematic city, where the passion for sports is intertwined with the cultural and historical wealth of the region.
It has been the scene of numerous film productions, but few have had the cultural and social impact of “Black Panther.” This successful film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe not only broke box office records, but also opened an important debate about African art and its restitution.
Much of “Black Panther” was filmed in Atlanta, including key scenes at the High Museum of Art and on the campus of Atlanta University. These locations not only served as a backdrop for the vibrant fictional African nation Wakanda, but also brought an air of authenticity and modernity to the film.
The museum scene: a door to debate
One of the most talked about scenes in “Black Panther” takes place in a fictional museum that resembles Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. In this scene, Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan, confronts a curator about the provenance of several pieces of African art displayed in the museum. The confrontation culminates with Killmonger taking a relic that he claims was stolen from his home country.
This scene has resonated strongly in the academic and cultural sphere, reviving the debate on the restitution of African art. Historically, many pieces of African art were taken to Europe and America during the colonial era, often without the consent of the communities of origin. The film foregrounds the issue of justice and historical reparation, suggesting that these pieces should be returned to their rightful owners.
The debate over the restitution of African art is not new. In recent years, several African countries have requested the return of artifacts that they consider an integral part of their cultural heritage. France, for example, has begun the process of returning several pieces to their countries of origin in Africa, a move that has been hailed by some and criticized by others.
The museum scene in “Black Panther” not only highlights this issue, but also presents it to a global audience, many of whom may not have been aware of the magnitude of the problem. The film uses the power of cinema to propose a reflection on the history and legacy of colonialism, and on how Western cultural institutions should respond to demands for restitution.
Atlanta as a center of production and reflection
The choice of Atlanta as a filming location for “Black Panther” is significant. The city is not only a major center of film production, but is also home to prominent cultural institutions such as the High Museum of Art. By filming in these locations, the film establishes a direct connection between African art and culture and contemporary discussions about its place in the modern world.
The High Museum of Art, like many other institutions, faces the challenge of reconciling its role as a custodian of international art with growing demands for restitution.
Argentina and the restitution of cultural property
Argentina has been a pioneer in the restitution of cultural property to their countries of origin. Since 2004, it has returned approximately 5,000 pieces, including works of art, archaeological remains and historical documents. This policy is the result of a greater appreciation of pre-Columbian art, accession to the 1970 UNESCO Convention, and the promulgation of a law in 2003 protecting archaeological and paleontological heritage. An emblematic case was the return of the painting “Saint Jerome”, stolen from the National Museum of Fine Arts in Asunción, Paraguay, and recovered in Argentina in 2008. Additionally, the country has worked hard to intercept and return stolen cultural objects, exemplified by the “Janeir case”, where thousands of archaeological objects were confiscated and repatriated.
An open question
The museum scene in the film has raised a question: Should museums return art pieces to their countries of origin? This debate is complex and multifaceted, involving issues of ownership, history, and justice. “Black Panther” reminds us that cinema is a powerful tool to promote dialogue and reflection on critical issues of our time.
