The Sahara International Film Festival has urged director Christopher Nolan to remove scenes filmed in Western Sahara from his upcoming movie. The call comes amid ongoing tensions over the disputed territory, largely controlled by Morocco since 1975.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, remains classified by the United Nations as a non-self-governing territory. Morocco faces a long-running conflict with the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the Sahrawi people.
Maria Carrion, FiSahara’s executive director, condemned Nolan’s decision to film near Dakhla, calling it a “legitimisation of occupation.” She said shooting on sand dunes in Western Sahara “furthers colonialism” and disrespects the Sahrawi people’s plight.
Nolan reportedly filmed scenes for his 2026 film The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon and Zendaya, in the contested coastal region. Morocco’s Culture Minister, Mehdi Bensaid, welcomed the production, saying it would raise Dakhla’s profile as a filming destination.
However, FiSahara demands Nolan exclude all footage shot without Sahrawi consent, arguing the occupying power’s approval lacks legitimacy. Carrion accused the film team of being “not correctly informed” about the region’s political dispute and complexities.
The controversy unfolds amid international diplomatic shifts, including the US backing Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in 2020. Meanwhile, the Polisario Front continues to insist on a self-determination referendum for the Sahrawi people.
The festival’s plea highlights the power of cinema in contested lands and the persistent shadows of colonialism. As Nolan’s film release approaches, the debate over artistic freedom and political sensitivity intensifies.