Unknowns: The Lost Pyramid (Film)

Unknown: The Lost Pyramid is a documentary released on the Netflix platform in 2023. The production focuses on the efforts of two prominent Egyptology teams during archaeological excavations in the Saqqara region of Egypt, as they search for a lost pyramid and associated burial structures. It is an episode of the documentary series Unknown, which centers on Egyptian history and archaeological discoveries.

Subject

The documentary highlights the work of two distinct archaeological teams and their leaders, Dr. Zahi Hawass and Dr. Mostafa Waziri, operating at the excavation site in Saqqara, Egypt. It presents to viewers the process of uncovering ancient tombs and pyramid structures, the modern excavation techniques employed, and the archaeological findings obtained. As the teams work in a competitive environment, secrets of the past are brought to light, yielding new insights into the funerary architecture, social structure, and religious rituals of Ancient Egyptian civilization.

Thematic Structure

The documentary is shaped within the contexts of archaeological fieldwork, team collaboration, competition, and the production of historical knowledge. It also emphasizes the effort to bring the unknowns of the past into the present and the scientific challenges encountered along the way. The production aims to inform viewers about Ancient Egyptian civilization’s pyramid construction, burial culture, and social organization.

Production and Release Process

The documentary was released as part of Netflix’s Unknown documentary series and premiered on July 3, 2023. It was produced by Yuzu Productions and directed by Max Salomon. Filming took place at various archaeological sites, primarily the Saqqara Necropolis, with on-site footage captured during active excavations.

Participants

• Dr. Zahi Hawass – Egyptologist, excavation leader
• Dr. Mostafa Waziri – Egyptologist, excavation leader
• Archaeological teams and technical staff

Experts from the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt and various archaeologists also provided commentary in the documentary.

Awards and Nominations

Unknown: The Lost Pyramid was nominated in 2024 by the International Documentary Association (IDA) for Best Documentary. It also received a nomination at the Critics' Choice Documentary Awards 2024 in the category of Best Science and Nature Documentary.