Chris Nolan Criticized for Filming ‘The Odyssey‘ on Disputed Lands in Western Sahara
Director Christopher Nolan is feeling the heat over his new film “The Odyssey,” which has sparked controversy for allegedly shooting scenes on disputed indigenous lands in Western Sahara. The film recently wrapped filming in Dakhla, a city the Sahrawi Government claims is under “illegal military occupation” by Morocco. This situation has led to widespread criticism from various organizations and individuals, who argue that filming in such a contentious area perpetuates colonial narratives and undermines the struggle of the Sahrawi people.
Concerns from the Sahrawi Government
The Sahrawi Government did not hold back in expressing its “deep concern and strong indignation” regarding Nolan’s decision to film in Dakhla. A formal statement issued by the government condemned the selection of an “occupied territory” for a major movie without any consultation with the Polisario Front, the internationally recognized representative of the Sahrawi people. “This act constitutes a dangerous form of cultural normalization with the occupation,” the statement reads, criticizing the use of cinema to “whitewash the image of a colonial situation” that continues to oppress the local populace.
Responses from the Film Community
Organizations such as the Western Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) voiced their opposition as well, calling on Nolan and Universal Pictures to cease filming in Dakhla. Executive Director María Carrión emphasized the potential inadvertent consequences of filming in a “journalistic desert,” stating that Nolan’s project could be seen as contributing to the normalization of Morocco’s control over the area. “By filming part of ‘The Odyssey’ in an occupied territory… Nolan and his team… are contributing to Morocco’s repression of the Sahrawi people,” she remarked.
Support and Criticism from Prominent Figures
Actor Javier Bardem, who has previously attended FiSahara, shared the festival’s statement on social media, highlighting the plight of the Sahrawi people. He described the situation in Dakhla as part of a broader pattern of repression, arguing that the region, historically significant to the Sahrawi, is being remade into a tourist destination under Moroccan control. “Another illegal occupation, another repression against a people… #FreeSaharaNow,” Bardem declared in his post.
Contrasting Views on Filming in Dakhla
In contrast, Reda Benjelloun from the Moroccan Cinematographic Center defended “The Odyssey,” calling it a pivotal Hollywood production shooting in the region. He described Dakhla as offering “extraordinary opportunities” for foreign filmmakers and expressed confidence in Morocco’s growing production capabilities. “Today, Morocco’s strength lies in being very responsive to demand,” he noted, adding that local film production companies have been efficient in executing projects.
As the debate continues, the implications of Christopher Nolan’s decision to film “The Odyssey” in disputed lands in Western Sahara remain a topic of contentious discussion. The film, which adapts Homer’s classic epic and is set for a July 17, 2026 release, has certainly not escaped the scrutiny of those advocating for the Sahrawi people’s rights.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Universal Pictures and Nolan’s representatives for their perspectives on the criticisms surrounding the filming of ‘The Odyssey’ on disputed lands.
