Boycott Threats Crash 'The Odyssey' World Premiere Over Filming in Moroccan-Controlled Western Sahara

Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey, a high-profile adaptation of Homer's classic epic, has sparked widespread controversy and calls for a boycott due to its filming in Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara. The film, set to debut globally, includes scenes shot in Dakhla, a town located in the disputed territory. Activists argue that the location is under Moroccan military occupation, and that the use of the area for filming legitimizes Morocco's control over the region, which the indigenous Sahrawi people claim as their homeland. Protesters gathered outside the London premiere of The Odyssey last week, chanting slogans such as "Free Sahara!" and "Shame!" in solidarity with the Sahrawi cause. These demonstrations highlight the deepening tensions surrounding the film's production. According to reports, the filming took place in Dakhla, a strategic location on the Atlantic coast, approximately 340 miles south of Laayoune, the largest city in Western Sahara. The region has been under Moroccan military rule since the 1970s, though the Sahrawi people continue to assert their sovereignty over the entire territory. Human rights organizations and Sahrawi activists accuse Morocco of engaging in cultural genocide and ethnic cleansing in the area. They point to ongoing displacement of local communities, the construction of large-scale infrastructure projects such as ports, resorts, and wind farms, and the systematic suppression of Sahrawi identity. In response, Sahrawi filmmaker and activist Abidin Mohamed Hamudi has condemned Nolan's decision, calling him "complicit" in the occupation. Similarly, filmmaker Mamine Hachimi has criticized the film for legitimizing Moroccan authority and failing to address the realities faced by the Sahrawi people. The controversy extends beyond the Sahrawi issue. Greek critics have also voiced concerns, arguing that the film excludes Greek actors despite its basis in Greek mythology. A Greek news outlet criticized the casting choices, noting that the story, originally written by Homer, should feature Greek performers. Such criticisms underscore broader debates about representation and authenticity in global cinema. The conflict in Western Sahara dates back to the 1970s, following Spain's withdrawal from the region. Morocco then assumed control, leading to a protracted struggle for independence. The Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) was established in 1976, asserting sovereignty over the territory. Despite international recognition of SADR by several countries, including the United Nations, Morocco continues to administer the area, maintaining a 2,700-kilometer-long barrier known as "The Berm," reinforced with landmines to prevent cross-border movement. Sahrawi activists emphasize that the film's use of the region for filming represents a tacit endorsement of Moroccan occupation. They argue that the decision to shoot there undermines the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and perpetuates historical injustices. One Sahrawi political prisoner, Naâma Asfari, currently on hunger strike in Moroccan custody, has drawn attention for his advocacy for freedom and justice. His case, along with others, underscores the ongoing repression faced by Sahrawi activists and journalists. As the film prepares for wider release, the debate over its production choices continues to gain momentum. Supporters of the Sahrawi cause urge audiences to avoid watching The Odyssey and instead engage with films that accurately represent the region's complex history and struggles. Meanwhile, the film's creators remain silent on the matter, leaving the issue to unfold in public discourse.