People often believe they understand the past – until a renowned historian offers unprecedented access to their work. That’s certainly the case for the titular Egyptologist, Dr. Zahi Hawass, whose career is showcased in the new documentary, ‘The Man with the Hat.’ The film showcases the way he has transformed how the modern world understands ancient Egypt.

The movie is now available worldwide, after it premiered earlier this month at the Newport Beach Film Festival. In support of the feature’s release, Film Factual is debuting an exclusive clip from the project, which is titled ‘Coffins.’

‘The Man with the Hat’ was directed by acclaimed documentarian Jeffrey Roth (‘The Wonder of It All,’ HBO’s ‘4,’ CNN Films’ ‘President in Waiting’). The filmmaker blended epic history, intimate character study and real-time geopolitical tension into one cinematic journey. Dr. Hawass’ voyage was captured across Egypt’s most sacred and rarely filmed archaeological sites.

With his iconic fedora and commanding presence, Dr. Hawass became the real-life inspiration for Hollywood’s original Indiana Jones and the most recognizable face of Egyptology for generations. The movie takes audiences inside 4,000-year-old tombs, newly opened excavations and historic locations never before seen on camera, many filmed for the first time with full access granted by Egyptian authorities.

At its core, the documentary traces the extraordinary journey of a boy from a small village in Egypt’s Nile Delta who rose to become one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Egypt’s former Minister of Antiquities, a global cultural ambassador and fierce protector of heritage. He ultimately the world’s foremost interpreter of ancient Egypt.

Roth brought cinematic scope and a deeply personal perspective to the feature. He filmed on location throughout Egypt under extraordinary circumstances, including active regional conflict during production.

While discussing the movie, Roth said: “’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. I knew this had to be a human story set against the grandeur of Egypt itself.”

The filmmaker added: “We shot for weeks across the country’s most stunning archaeological landscapes. During our final days of filming, conflict erupted just 170 miles from our base. Some crew members left. Others stayed. The volatility, the uncertainty – it all became part of the story.

“Filming with Dr. Hawass is its own phenomenon. Crowds appear instantly. You see how deeply Egypt loves him and how recognized he is around the world. My goal was to explore the man behind the legend – the tireless, complex figure who has shaped how the world understands ancient Egypt,” Roth concluded.