Modern pharaoh

2005, 53 minutes

Reality based documentary examines the relationship between western photographer Patti Rabbitt and world-renowned archeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass of Egypt.

MODERN PHARAOH portrays a Western female filmmaker's efforts to gain more than a 5-word sound bite from a media-savy, bombastic and famous Egyptian archaeologist. Dr. Zahi Hawass is General Secretary of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and controls all of Egypt's monuments, mummies and treasures. This reality-based documentary captures the dynamic relationship between filmmaker/archaeological photographer Patti Rabbitt and Dr. Hawass. Patti records Dr. Hawass’s Antiquities agenda while uncovering layers of Egypt’s working environment, social climate, and gender dynamics. Some of the adventures are: unearthed mummies, archaeological excavations, museum management including the King Tut traveling exhibit, and others. MODERN PHARAOH is a rare, unscripted glimpse into the heart of a famous Egyptian man revealing how much life, humor and humanity inhabit the examination of the long dead.