A new film in which the Society's Director, Dr Chris Naunton leads a new investigation into the life and death of Tutankhamun, will be broadcast on PBS in the US on Wednesday 10 July, on the History Channel in Canada on Friday 12th, and on the National Geographic Channel in several other countries around the world including Australia, Germany, The Netherlands and The UK (Saturday 13 July 8 pm BST).
UPDATE 13 July 2013: The entire film is currently available to watch online via the PBS website.
Chris Naunton in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo during filming of Tutankhamun Decoded / Ultimate Tutankhamun. Photo Credit: Sean Smith © Blink Films
The film ‘Tutankahmun Decoded’ / ‘Ultimate Tutankhamun’, focuses on the life, death, and Earthly afterlife of the famous boy-king and asks how it can be that this young man, who reigned so briefly, came to be almost instantly and comprehensively forgotten for thousands of years until the discovery of his near-intact tomb made his name and image among the most recognisable of any figure from history? The investigation draws on the expertise of Egyptologists and EES members including Dr Ashley Cooke, Steve Cross, Dr Yasmin El-Shazly, Dr Melinda Hartwig and Professor Salima Ikram, and a number of scientists and other specialists from a wide variety of different disciplines.
Professor Salima Ikram prepares to demonstrate the mummification process for the cameras
The Society has a strong connection with Howard Carter, the discoverer of the tomb of Tutankhamun, who first visited Egypt as an artist working for the EES in 1891 (see 'Howard Carter and the EES', for further information) and maintained his connection with the EES throughout his career, providing a special lecture for members on the tomb shortly after it had been found. Chris joined the production team from Blink Films to make the documentary in summer 2012, travelling to Egypt to film in the Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings and several other locations throughout the country, and has posted a few thoughts and photos about the film on his blog.
Cameraman Gary Clarke filming inside the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of Kings
Cultivating relations with the media, and with the television industry in particular, has been an important part of the Society's strategy for raising its public profile for some time now. Getting the EES' name ‘out there’ by showing staff and others to be taking the lead in delivering cutting edge Egyptology to the public is a vital means for us to build credibility and recognition. We hope many who see the film will seek out the Society online and will feel inspired to get involved by becoming a member or making a donation.
For further information about the film and photos please see this press release.