Christopher Nolan Faces Backlash for Filming in Occupied Western Sahara

Christopher Nolan, the acclaimed British-American filmmaker known for his innovative cinematic projects, is under scrutiny for choosing to film part of his adaptation of "The Odyssey" in Dakhla, a city located in Western Sahara, which has been under Moroccan occupation since 1976. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the organizers of FiSahara, an international film festival aimed at showcasing the plight of Sahrawi people, the indigenous population of the region. The film, featuring stars like Matt Damon and Charlize Theron, is set for release on July 17, 2026, according to Universal Pictures, the studio backing the project.

The controversy stems from the historical and political significance of the filming location. Western Sahara is classified by the United Nations as a "non-self-governing territory," and the UN Secretary-General's reports have highlighted ongoing human rights violations in the area. "Since 2015, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has not been granted access to the territory," stated a report released by the UN in 2023.

María Carrión, the executive director of FiSahara, emphasized the implications of filming in an occupied territory, stating, "By filming part of The Odyssey in an occupied territory, Nolan and his team, perhaps unknowingly, are contributing to Morocco’s repression of the Sahrawi people and to the Moroccan regime’s efforts to normalize its occupation of Western Sahara." The festival's organizers argue that the presence of a high-profile cast and crew in Dakhla could inadvertently whitewash the Moroccan occupation and normalize the repression faced by the Sahrawi population.

The Moroccan government’s narrative promotes a perception of stability and normalcy in Western Sahara, often using cultural and tourism initiatives to project a favorable image. According to Carrión, "Morocco only allows entry into occupied Western Sahara to those who fit its strategy of selling its occupation to the outside world." This sentiment is echoed by various human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which reported that authorities in the region continue to restrict dissent and the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.

Activists have long condemned the Moroccan government's tactics, with organizations like Reporters Without Borders describing Western Sahara as a “desert for journalists,” where the freedom of the press is severely restricted. The organization has documented numerous cases of intimidation, harassment, and violence against journalists reporting on the situation in the region.

Nolan's decision to film in Dakhla has sparked discussions about the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers regarding the political contexts of their locations. Critics argue that high-profile projects can inadvertently lend legitimacy to oppressive regimes by creating a facade of normalcy. The potential repercussions of such portrayals extend beyond artistic representation; they affect the lived reality of those under occupation.

In light of these criticisms, the organizers of FiSahara are calling on Nolan and his crew to recognize the historical and political realities of Western Sahara. They urge them to stand in solidarity with the Sahrawi people, who have been striving for self-determination for over five decades. As the film approaches its release date, the dialogue surrounding the ethical implications of filming in contested regions continues to unfold.

In conclusion, while cinematic endeavors often aim to push boundaries and explore diverse narratives, filmmakers must remain cognizant of the socio-political landscapes they engage with. The controversy surrounding "The Odyssey" raises important questions about art, ethics, and the responsibilities of those who wield cultural influence in complex geopolitical contexts. The implications of this situation may resonate well beyond the film industry, affecting broader perceptions of occupation and human rights in Western Sahara and similar contexts worldwide.