Zahi Hawass, the world’s most famous living Egyptologist, is the subject of a new documentary, The Man With the Hat, which celebrates his storied career. The film traces his rise from rural beginnings to global fame, spotlighting his major discoveries like the 3,000-year-old Lost Golden City, and his role in transforming Egypt’s heritage into a national symbol through projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum. Hawass credits his popular success to adding “spices” to archaeology, using showmanship to engage global audiences, even in contentious forums like Joe Rogan’s podcast. He frames his legacy as “making Egyptology available to Egyptians,” championing artifact repatriation and training local archaeologists. Yet the documentary largely sidesteps the controversies that have followed Hawass for decades, from accusations of gatekeeping and autocratic control to his contentious views on race and history. The result is a glossy, self-assured portrait that captures Hawass’s charisma while leaving viewers to judge the legend—and the man—on their own.
Artnet
