Encore Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 from 10 - 12 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport!
In celebration of the upcoming 100th anniversary of King Tutankhamun’s tomb discovery, PBS presents "Tutankhamun: Allies & Enemies," a two-hour documentary investigating King Tut’s life and legacy. Produced and shot on location by an all-Egyptian crew led by filmmaker and executive producer Hossam Aboul-Magd, the documentary goes beyond examining Tut’s tomb and treasures. The film aims to share the Egyptian pharaoh’s story from his point of view and unpacks the short-lived human existence of the “Boy King.”
Lead archaeologist Dr. Yasmin El Shazly and photographer Mahmoud Rashad explore Egypt and the Americas, meeting with historians, archaeologists and scientists to inspect historical inconsistencies and delve into secrets surrounding Tut’s childhood and family.
As Dr. El Shazly searched for answers, she said, “I’m doing so not only because I am an archaeologist, but as an Egyptian who wants to understand the history of my magnificent civilization.” When asked why she is on a mission to examine the different theories surrounding the Boy King’s life and legacy, she stated, “King Tut is not the golden mask. Tut was a human being just like anyone else. He was probably less fortunate than many.”
Using drone footage and computed tomography science (CT scans), "Tutankhamun: Allies & Enemies" takes a closer look at King Tut’s burial. The Egyptian team led by Dr. El Shazly gives viewers special access to newly discovered tombs that shed light on new theories about the politics and intrigue of this dramatic period of seismic change in Egyptian history. Journeying across Egypt from Cairo to Luxor, the film provides an in-depth exploration pursuing answers about King Tut, the powers and people that impacted his life and death, and the legacy his reign left behind.
FILM GUIDE:
Hour 1 commemorates the centennial of King Tut's tomb opening by exploring the mysteries of his life and burial. Egyptian Archeologist Dr. Yasmin El Shazly meets with historians and scientists to inspect historical inconsistencies.
Hour 2 uncovers further mysteries behind King Tut’s life and burial. Egyptian Archeologist Dr. Yasmin El Shazly continues her journey, seeking to answer some of the historical inconsistencies surrounding this great civilization.
Watch On Your Schedule: "Tutankhamun: Allies & Enemies" is available to stream now with KPBS Passport,
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Credits: Directed by filmmaker and executive producer Hossam Aboul-Magd, co-hosted by lead archaeologist Dr. Yasmin El Shazly, and shot by photographer and co-host Mahmoud Rashad. Bill Gardner is the executive-in-charge for PBS.
“'Tutankhamun: Allies & Enemies' offers a unique perspective on the epic story of King Tutankhamun,” said Bill Gardner, vice president of multiplatform programming and head of development at PBS. “So much more than a collection of priceless artifacts, his legacy places him at the center of one of the most intriguing political thrillers of all human history. Following the clues through the eyes of Egyptian researchers brings an immersive authenticity that is unlike any other telling of this fascinating tale.”
