CBC, Channel 5 Commission Searching for Cleopatra

The factual producers Arrow Media, Handel Productions and Rezolution Pictures have been commissioned to make Searching for Cleopatra for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the U.K.’s Channel 5.

The documentary centers on exclusive access to the latest expedition to explore the mystery of Cleopatra. Searching for Cleopatra has been commissioned in two different, 60-minute versions. CBC’s version will be narrator-led, while Channel 5’s iteration will include a presenter.

Centuries of Roman propaganda and decades of Hollywood clichés have painted a picture of Cleopatra that has lasted for millennia: a fearless leader, a bloodthirsty murderer and a power-hungry seductress. But Cleopatra isn’t who we think. After thousands of years, new discoveries, ground-breaking science and game-changing archaeology are rewriting history.

Searching for Cleopatra challenges current thinking and takes a new look at one of the most iconic rulers of all time. With exclusive access to the recent expedition by leading Cleopatra archaeologist Dr. Kathleen Martinez, Arrow Media, Rezolution and Handel Productions filmed the excavations as they happened, as Dr. Martinez followed her quest to unlock the secrets of Cleopatra and her world.

Fremantle is distributing the documentary internationally.

Lucie Ridout, executive producer at Arrow Media, said: “For over a decade, Dr. Kathleen Martinez has challenged the established beliefs about Cleopatra. It was a privilege to be part of her expedition to Taposiris Magna, where she has already uncovered an entire necropolis in her search for the truth about this iconic Egyptian queen. Arrow Media’s reputation is built on combining ground-breaking discoveries, scientific insight and human stories to create programs which inform and excite the world. This story is no exception.”

Alan Handel, founder of Handel Productions, added: “Our reputation is built on a history of great storytelling and creating innovative, entertaining television. We are delighted to be partnering with Arrow Media on this project and we expect the film to have huge global appeal.”