THE RETURN ADDRESS

The Return Address (20min) explores the question of why heritage objects matter and where they rightfully belong.

Through conversations with industry leaders, the film breaks down both sides of a long-running art world debate: the question of whether artefacts belong in museums or in their home territories. Outlining the benefits and challenges of repatriating cultural objects, The Return Address invites viewers to form their own opinions on an important topic that was, prior to the release of this film in 2020, highly gatekept.

The Return Address overall illuminates the true value of heritage – its ability to resonate with each and every one of us, from museum-goers in megacities to rural communities to displaced people all over the world who share in the cultural background of these objects, and the poignant connection between material culture and identity.

As a student, I wrote, directed and co-produced this short documentary to connect the conversation around the repatriation of museum collections to wider audiences. The Return Address continues to be used as a teaching resource in museums and universities around the world, ensuring that this conversation can powerfully facilitate arts engagement.