Christopher Nolan is facing criticism for filming scenes of his upcoming project, The Odyssey, in Dakhla, a city in the contentious region of Western Sahara, which is currently under Moroccan control. The backlash primarily stems from a call to halt production from the Western Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) and various human rights advocates, citing concerns about the treatment of the indigenous Sahrawi people.
FiSahara, which hosts its festival in the Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria, emphasized that the Sahrawis endure significant repression at the hands of Moroccan authorities. Executive Director María Carrión stated that by shooting in Dakhla, which has been described as a “news black hole” by Reporters Without Borders, Nolan and his team may unintentionally support Morocco’s efforts to normalize its occupation of the territory. The festival’s statement outlined concerns that high-profile projects like The Odyssey could contribute to the ongoing marginalization of the Sahrawi people’s narratives and experiences.
Carrión pointed out that while Morocco promotes cultural expressions in the Sahrawi region as its own, the actual Sahrawi creatives face persecution and are forced to work clandestinely to tell their stories. This situation is underscored by Morocco’s establishment of a film festival in Dakhla, which aims to counter the narrative of the Sahrawi people.
As of now, neither Nolan nor Universal Pictures, the studio behind The Odyssey, has issued any comments regarding the controversy. The film is an adaptation of the ancient Greek epic tale of Odysseus, featuring actors such as Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya, among others. Notably, The Odyssey will be the first major film shot entirely using IMAX cameras, and it is set to be released on July 17, 2026.
While the film has generated excitement among audiences anticipating its release, this situation highlights the complexities that arise when major productions intersect with politically sensitive regions. It serves as an important reminder of the film industry’s responsibility to be aware of the locations they choose to portray, especially those with ongoing human rights issues.