In a grand international ceremony hosted at the open-air theater in Maratea, overlooking the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue at an altitude of 1,000 meters, the opening and awards ceremony of the Marateale International Film Festival (Marateale 2026) witnessed a high-profile honoring of world-renowned archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass and acclaimed Egyptian actress Laila Eloui, in the presence of thousands of guests, public figures, and international media representatives.
The festival featured an extraordinary tribute to Dr. Zahi Hawass alongside international director and producer Jeff Roos, producer and director of the documentary The Man with the Hat.
During a 30-minute sit-down interview with a prominent Italian journalist, the discussion highlighted the behind-the-scenes creation of the documentary, the origins of Dr. Hawass’s global fame, and the deep mutual affection between him and the Italian public.
To thunderous applause from the crowd, Dr. Hawass was presented with the festival’s top honor, the MARATEALE 2026 – BASILICATA INTERNATIONAL AWARD, represented by a statuette of the Christ the Redeemer monument overlooking the city's peak.
The official citation for Dr. Hawass's award read:
"Through his discoveries, energy, and extraordinary charisma, he has transformed archaeology into a grand adventure shared with millions of people, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Ancient Egypt’s timeless heritage. Honored for his exceptional contributions as an archaeologist, Egyptologist, educator, and public figure who successfully revived the past and made it accessible to new generations."
In addition to the main award, Dr. Hawass received another prestigious international honor awarded to world-class innovators and leaders, carrying symbolic significance rooted in the memory of the pioneer who brought radio broadcasting to Italy. Following the honors, The Man with the Hat was screened for the audience to widespread critical acclaim.
On the sidelines of the festival, Dr. Hawass hosted an open session in a local park with over 200 Italian high school students, answering their enthusiastic questions about the secrets and discoveries of Pharaonic civilization.
In the same context, the open-air stage saw a special honoring of Egyptian cinema star Laila Eloui, who took the stage following a video reel showcasing highlight moments from her rich cinematic career.
In an engaging interview with a leading Italian journalist, the discussion shed light on her artistic archive spanning over 86 feature films, the societal impact of her work in influencing Egyptian legislation, and her early start in cinema as a child participating in three famous films.
Eloui received the festival’s Honorary Award—an artistic painting depicting the Virgin Mary—amid warm applause and celebration from the Italian audience, who praised her human and artistic journey.
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