Netflix's docu-drama 'Queen Cleopatra' and Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass's 90-minute documentary "Cleopatra" are at the centre of a conflict
Netflix's documentary-drama "Queen Cleopatra", produced by Jada Pinkett Smith, was released May 10. Image: Photography Courtesy of Netflix
An Egyptian archaeologist on Wednesday released a documentary on the life of Cleopatra, the same day Netflix began streaming a controversial production depicting the ancient queen as black. For weeks, pundits and officials in Egypt have reacted angrily to streaming platform Netflix's decision to cast British actress Adele James in the lead role of its production "Queen Cleopatra" — insisting the ruler had lighter skin.
Archaeologist Zahi Hawass's 90-minute documentary "Cleopatra", released on director Curtis Ryan Woodside's YouTube channel, describes itself as telling the "true" story of the Ptolemaic dynasty's last ruler.
"Was Cleopatra black? First of all, I have nothing against black people at all, but I am stating the facts — look at the Macedonian queens, none of them were black", Hawass, a former antiquities minister, says in the documentary.
In April, Egypt's antiquities ministry weighed in on the debate, insisting the historical Cleopatra had "white skin and Hellenistic characteristics".
Netflix promoted its documentary-drama "Queen Cleopatra", produced by Jada Pinkett Smith, as featuring "reenactments and expert interviews".