Filmmaker Christopher Nolan is facing mounting criticism over the decision to shoot his upcoming historical epic, The Odyssey, in the politically sensitive region of Western Sahara. The film, which boasts a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya, has been filmed in Dakhla—a coastal city under Moroccan control but located within the disputed territory.
Western Sahara is recognized by the United Nations as a “non-self-governing territory,” and has been at the center of a long-standing conflict involving the indigenous Sahrawi people, who have been seeking independence and self-determination for decades. The region has been largely occupied by Morocco since 1975, despite international calls for a resolution that respects the rights of the Sahrawi population.
The decision to film in Dakhla has drawn sharp condemnation from activists and advocacy groups, most notably the Western Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara). The organization has issued a public call for Nolan to cease production in the area, citing deep concern over the symbolism and implications of filming in a city that has become synonymous with Moroccan occupation and repression.
In a strongly worded statement, FiSahara underscored the reality on the ground in Dakhla, emphasizing that it is not simply a visually striking location with expansive sand dunes and picturesque landscapes, but a heavily militarized zone where the Sahrawi people are subjected to systematic oppression.
The festival accused Nolan and his team of inadvertently lending legitimacy to Morocco’s territorial claims and reinforcing narratives that erase the plight of the Sahrawi community.
The backlash gained international attention when Spanish actor and activist Javier Bardem reposted FiSahara’s statement on his Instagram account. In his post, Bardem expressed solidarity with the Sahrawi cause and condemned the use of Dakhla as a cinematic backdrop. He wrote, “For 50 years, Morocco has occupied Western Sahara, expelling the Sahrawi people from their cities.” Bardem has long been an advocate for Sahrawi rights and his endorsement of the protest has helped amplify criticism of the production.
As the controversy grows, the production of The Odyssey finds itself entangled in a larger geopolitical struggle. While the film is slated for a global theatrical release on July 17, 2026, the choice of filming location has sparked a wider debate about the responsibilities of filmmakers when engaging with politically sensitive regions.
Critics argue that cultural productions should not ignore or normalize occupations, especially in territories where human rights are in question. The situation places Nolan in an increasingly difficult position, with pressure mounting to address the concerns raised by activists and the Sahrawi diaspora.
