The Man with the Hat: New Documentary on Dr. Zahi Hawass Available to Rent or Buy January 20, 2026
A powerful new documentary spotlighting the life, influence, and global legacy of legendary Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass will be released on VOD worldwide on January 20, 2026. Titled The Man with the Hat, the film offers unprecedented access to the man who transformed how the modern world understands ancient Egypt.
Directed by acclaimed documentarian Jeffrey Roth (The Wonder of It All, HBO’s 41, CNN Films’ President in Waiting), the film blends epic history with intimate character study and real-world geopolitical tension. Filmed on location across Egypt’s most sacred and rarely captured archaeological sites, The Man with the Hat takes viewers inside 4,000-year-old tombs, newly opened excavations, and historic locations many have never seen on camera—some filmed for the first time with full access granted by Egyptian authorities.
Recognizable around the world by his iconic fedora and commanding presence, Dr. Hawass became the real-life inspiration for Hollywood’s original Indiana Jones and the most visible ambassador of Egyptology for generations. The film traces his remarkable journey from a small village in Egypt’s Nile Delta to becoming Egypt’s former Minister of Antiquities, one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and the world’s foremost interpreter and protector of ancient Egyptian history.
Throughout the film, director Jeffrey Roth captures Dr. Hawass in the midst of his most ambitious undertakings, filming under extraordinary circumstances – including periods of active regional conflict during production. These challenges add urgency and depth to a story that is as much about personal sacrifice and responsibility as it is about history and discovery.
For more than four decades, Dr. Hawass has shaped both academic scholarship and popular culture through groundbreaking investigations into Cleopatra’s burial site, the death of King Tutankhamun, and numerous major archaeological discoveries. His work has made ancient Egypt accessible to global audiences, with nearly every major studio and international network relying on him as their gateway to the ancient world.
Reflecting on the project, Roth shared:
“The Man with the Hat grew from my lifelong fascination with ancient Egypt – from watching programs where Dr. Hawass was always the one who transported you back in time… My goal was to explore the man behind the legend — the tireless, complex figure who has shaped how the world understands ancient Egypt.”
Dr. Hawass’ influence extends far beyond excavation sites. Over the years, he has guided world leaders and cultural icons – including Princess Diana, President Obama, Beyoncé, and MrBeast – through Egypt’s most sacred locations. Most recently, he completed a 32-city North American tour, selling more than 60,000 tickets and underscoring his rare crossover appeal across academia, pop culture, and mass entertainment.
Sitting at the intersection of archaeology, geopolitics, celebrity, and cultural preservation, The Man with the Hat is an epic yet deeply human portrait of legacy, resilience, and the enduring importance of safeguarding humanity’s shared past.
The Man with the Hat will be available worldwide beginning January 20, 2026. For a full list of digital retailers please visit: https://geni.us/themanwiththehat
