Nolan Criticized for Filming in Disputed Territory
Director Faces Backlash Over Western Sahara Shoot
Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan is under fire for his latest film’s production in Dakhla, a city within the disputed Western Sahara region. Critics argue the decision unintentionally aids in normalizing Morocco’s long-standing occupation of the territory.
Filming Sparks Controversy
The choice of location for Nolan’s new epic, reportedly an adaptation of Homer’s “Odyssey” starring Matt Damon, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway, has drawn sharp criticism. A local film festival has voiced strong opposition, asserting that the star-studded presence inadvertently whitewashes the Moroccan occupation.
“By filming in an occupied territory, Nolan and his team, perhaps unintentionally, contribute to Morocco’s oppression of the Western Saharan people,” a spokesman for the festival told The Guardian.
—Festival Spokesperson
The Western Sahara has been a flashpoint for conflict since Spain withdrew in the 1970s, with both Morocco and the Western Saharan Independence Movement Polisario laying claim to the land. Parts of the Western Saharan population feel that such filming legitimizes years of Moroccan repression.
Impact of “Normalization”
This controversy highlights the complex geopolitical landscape of Western Sahara. According to the United Nations, the status of Western Sahara remains undetermined, with ongoing political efforts to find a resolution.
Christopher Nolan has yet to issue a statement addressing the accusations. The production’s decision to film in the contentious region continues to fuel debate about the responsibilities of filmmakers in politically sensitive areas.
