Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film adaptation of Homer’s “Odyssey” has drawn international criticism for its filming location in the Western Sahara, a territory disputed by the Indigenous Sahrawi people and claimed by Morocco. The Sahrawi Government has expressed deep concern, condemning the film’s production for selecting a city it claims is under illegal Moroccan military occupation without consultation with its representative, the Polisario Front.
The Western Sahara International Film Festival also weighed in, urging the director and Universal Pictures to halt filming and support the Sahrawi people’s struggle for self-determination. Meanwhile, Moroccan officials praised the film for potentially enhancing Morocco’s global visibility. Reda Benjelloun of the Moroccan Cinematographic Center called the film “extremely important,” noting that it represents a significant opportunity for the region.
Despite the backlash, the film is expected to be released on July 17, 2026, following its shooting in the region. The production has already filmed in Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland, and Iceland, with additional filming planned in Ireland and the UK. The controversy highlights the complex geopolitical dimensions of cultural production, with critics arguing that the choice of location could reinforce Morocco’s ongoing occupation of Western Sahara.
The Sahrawi Government’s statement emphasized the ethical implications of the project, warning that the film’s portrayal of the area could contribute to the normalization of Moroccan military presence. The Polisario Front, the internationally recognized representative of the Sahrawi people, remains steadfast in its pursuit of self-determination, facing decades of resistance against the Moroccan occupation.
Actor Javier Bardem, who has previously supported the Western Sahara International Film Festival, echoed the concerns, criticizing the ongoing occupation and the film’s potential to perpetuate Morocco’s control over the region. The controversy underscores the intersection of art and politics, raising questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers in sensitive geopolitical contexts.