Bir Lehlou (Sahrawi Republic), July 18, 2026 – The Sahrawi Working Group on Natural Resources and Related Legal Issues issued a strong condemnation on Saturday regarding the filming of part of Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, “The Odyssey,” in the occupied city of Dakhla. The group underscored the importance of ensuring that the global release of the film does not serve as a mechanism to whitewash Morocco's illegal occupation of Western Sahara or to lend any semblance of legitimacy to it.
The Working Group articulated that by filming in the occupied territory with the authorization and logistical support of Moroccan occupation authorities, the production has inadvertently—or perhaps intentionally—contributed to the normalization and whitewashing of the occupation. They emphasized that Western Sahara is recognized as a Non-Self-Governing Territory, where its people have yet to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, as established by international law.
Furthermore, the group reiterated that the legal status of Western Sahara is well-defined under international law, referencing the International Court of Justice’s 1975 Advisory Opinion, the United Nations, and the rulings of the Court of Justice of the European Union in 2024, all of which confirm that the Territory is distinct from Morocco. They pointed out that Morocco has no sovereignty or legal authority over the area.
In their statement, the Working Group noted that the Court of Justice of the European Union has asserted that any activities concerning Western Sahara necessitate the consent of the Sahrawi people, who are represented by the Frente POLISARIO as their legitimate voice. It was stressed that no consent was sought or obtained prior to the filming in occupied Sahrawi territory.
The circumstances surrounding the production raised concerns about a troubling double standard. While the Moroccan authorities provided privileged access and special facilities to one of the world’s largest film productions in occupied Dakhla, they simultaneously deny entry to international journalists, human rights observers, lawyers, and parliamentary delegations seeking to document the realities of the occupation and assess the human rights situation.
The statement also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Sahrawi journalists, filmmakers, and human rights defenders, who endure surveillance, intimidation, arbitrary detention, and confiscation of equipment, as they strive to document peaceful protests and serious human rights violations. The Working Group insisted that a territory where the local population is denied the freedom to narrate their own story should not be presented as a neutral filming location or an acceptable cinematic destination.
Moreover, the Working Group asserted that the film production cannot be divorced from what they termed Morocco's broader strategy to normalize its occupation through tourism, investment, sporting events, and cultural productions. They underscored that international films of this magnitude afford the occupation global visibility, economic benefits, and political symbolism that Morocco exploits to bolster its unlawful claims over the Territory while obscuring decades of repression, settlement policies, and the illegal exploitation of Sahrawi natural resources.
The group urged Universal Pictures, Syncopy Productions, and all companies involved in the making of “The Odyssey” to acknowledge the distinct legal status of Western Sahara and to implement effective human rights due diligence policies. This would ensure that future productions do not contribute to supporting, entrenching, or normalizing unlawful situations under international law.
Additionally, the Working Group appealed to filmmakers, cultural institutions, and the global entertainment industry to ensure that artistic freedom does not become a means of legitimizing occupation, colonialism, cultural exploitation, or the denial of fundamental rights. They emphasized that both legal and ethical responsibilities necessitate full adherence to international law when selecting filming locations and conducting operations in occupied territories or areas experiencing conflict.
In conclusion, the Working Group reaffirmed that cinema possesses the power to inspire, educate, and amplify forgotten narratives, but it should never serve as a tool for erasing or distorting those very stories. They reiterated that the Sahrawi people will persist in their struggle to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and to ensure that neither their land nor their history is exploited for the political interests of an occupying power.
This statement emerges amidst rising international scrutiny regarding “The Odyssey.” Various organizations have expressed concern about the decision to film in occupied Western Sahara, with international media extensively covering the controversy and focusing on the implications of filming in such a territory, as well as the perceived complicity in Morocco's occupation.
Reports have also indicated that director Christopher Nolan met with Morocco's Minister of Culture during the filming in occupied Dakhla, a visit that garnered significant attention from Moroccan state and pro-government media. As reported by spsrasd.info.
