AGP Executive Report

Western Sahara Arts & Culture: The big pop-culture splash this week is Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey—and the backlash is getting louder. Film Criticism: Emily Wilson, whose 2017 translation inspired Nolan, published a blistering London Review of Books takedown, calling the screenplay “abysmal,” the structure “gimmicky,” and the writing “nothing convincing,” while also taking aim at the film’s handling of character depth and motivation. On-Location Ethics: Multiple pieces argue that filming near Dakhla in occupied Western Sahara turns an unresolved homeland into scenery, raising questions about responsibility when a territory remains contested under international law. Politics Meets Infrastructure: Morocco’s reported naming of the Tiznit–Dakhla highway as the “President Donald J. Trump Highway” (1,055 km) is being framed as a diplomatic signal tied to U.S. recognition—an issue that also intersects with the film’s Western Sahara spotlight. Human Rights: Sahrawi groups and lawyers renewed urgent concern over hunger-striking prisoner Naama Asfari, warning his health is in critical danger.

Film & Ethics: Emily Wilson, the translator whose 2017 “Odyssey” version inspired Christopher Nolan, has torn into the blockbuster in the London Review of Books, calling its writing “abysmal,” its structure “gimmicky,” and saying she’d be “ashamed” to have written any part of the script. Western Sahara on Screen: Separate coverage flags ethical questions over Nolan filming near Dakhla in occupied Western Sahara, turning exile and homecoming into scenery on disputed land. Diplomacy Meets Infrastructure: Morocco has named the Tiznit–Dakhla highway after Donald Trump (about 1,055 km), a move tied to Washington’s 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty—prompting fresh debate over what cultural and political “honours” mean in occupied territory. Sahrawi Rights: Sahrawi officials and rights lawyers urge urgent action over political prisoner Naama Asfari’s worsening health after a hunger strike.

Film & Classics: Emily Wilson, whose translation of Homer’s The Odyssey inspired Christopher Nolan, says she was “humbled” he read her opening line—but adds she’d be “ashamed” of parts of the film, sparking fresh debate over how the movie handles myth and meaning. Western Sahara on Screen: Multiple reports argue Nolan’s The Odyssey was shot near Dakhla in occupied Western Sahara, raising ethical questions about filming a story of exile on disputed land. Sahrawi Rights Under Pressure: Sahrawi groups and lawyers are calling for urgent action over political prisoner Naâma Asfari, alleging his health is deteriorating after an open-ended hunger strike. Diplomacy & Infrastructure: Trump says Morocco will name the Tiznit–Dakhla highway after him, a move tied to Washington’s 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty—while the territory remains contested. Culture & Controversy: Zendaya faces backlash for wearing ancient Iranian earrings during the Odyssey press tour, reigniting arguments about “glamourising” heritage.

Highway & Diplomacy: Morocco is reportedly naming a 1,055km Tiznit–Dakhla highway in Western Sahara after US President Donald Trump, after his 2020 recognition of Rabat’s sovereignty—an upgrade framed as a “peace road” for trade and tourism, with Morocco yet to fully confirm the branding. Sahrawi Rights & International Law: Sahrawi officials and rights groups are pushing the African Union’s legal stance on self-determination and permanent sovereignty over natural resources, while calls intensify over Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari’s deteriorating health during an open-ended hunger strike. Film, Ethics & Backlash: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is drawing fresh scrutiny for filming near Dakhla, turning an unresolved homeland into blockbuster scenery, as critics debate the ethics of location choices and the politics of “homecoming.” Culture in the Spotlight: Zendaya’s ancient Iranian earrings at an Odyssey press event sparked backlash over using culturally significant artifacts as accessories.

Highway Diplomacy: Trump publicly thanked Morocco’s King Mohammed VI after Rabat renamed the 1,055-km Tiznit–Dakhla road the “Donald Trump Highway,” a move that spotlights Washington–Rabat ties and the disputed Western Sahara route. Sahrawi Rights Under Pressure: Sahrawi officials and rights groups escalated calls for urgent action over political prisoner Naâma Asfari, reportedly in critical condition after an open-ended hunger strike at Kenitra prison. Film Ethics in the Desert: Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is drawing fresh scrutiny for filming in Western Sahara near Dakhla, reigniting debate over cultural spectacle versus the territory’s unresolved status. Culture & Solidarity: Sahrawi community groups in Gran Canaria held a beach demonstration with cultural displays and prisoner-focused awareness. Arts Meets Pop Culture: Zendaya faced backlash for wearing ancient Iranian earrings during the “Odyssey” press tour, sparking wider debate about heritage and “glamourising” contested histories. Regional Politics: Algeria–Spain ties resumed after a four-year freeze, but without any shift on the Sahara dispute.

Sahrawi Rights & Resources: International civil society groups ACAPS and NOVACT urged stronger legal and corporate pressure over Morocco’s “plunder” of Sahrawi natural resources, as speakers presented their case for sovereignty claims during a conference in the Sahrawi Republic. Anti-Colonial Tourism: Spanish anti-colonial voices said Morocco’s tourism push is being used to legitimize occupation, arguing Spanish participants share responsibility. Spain’s Legal Accountability: A Spanish lawyer argued Spain still holds administering-power obligations under the UN Charter and should face action through Spanish courts. Film Ethics in the Desert: As Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey draws global attention, multiple reports highlight ethical backlash over filming near Dakhla in Western Sahara, with critics warning it can normalize Morocco’s control. Prisoner Health: Sahrawi and European legal groups called for urgent action over detained hunger-striker Naama Asfari’s deteriorating health. Sports & Maps: Spain’s Sumar proposed a protocol to prevent sports broadcasts from showing maps that include occupied territories like Western Sahara. Community Culture: Sahrawi supporters in Gran Canaria held a beach demonstration with cultural tents and photo exhibits calling for political prisoners’ release.

Sahrawi Rights & Law: Ambassador Malainin Lakhal told an AU-linked conference that Africa’s legal framework—rooted in decolonization decisions by the OAU and carried forward by the AU—backs the Sahrawi people’s self-determination and permanent sovereignty over natural resources. Prisoner Solidarity: The SADR and European lawyers’ group ELDH urged urgent action over Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari’s worsening health after more than a month on hunger strike in Kenitra prison. Film Ethics in Focus: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey keeps sparking debate after reports that parts were shot near Dakhla in Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara, raising questions about consent, normalization, and the ethics of turning an unresolved homeland into scenery. Cultural Activism: In Gran Canaria, the Sahrawi Community Association held a beachside solidarity demonstration with a Sahrawi tent, cultural displays, and calls for the release of political prisoners, including Asfari. Politics Meets Entertainment: Spain’s parliament advanced a bill enabling Spanish nationality for people born in Western Sahara under Spanish administration, with final steps expected later in the year.

Film & Ethics in the Desert: Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Odyssey is back in the spotlight after reports that parts were shot in Morocco-controlled Western Sahara near Dakhla, reigniting debate over consent, international law, and whether Hollywood spectacle is “whitewashing” occupation. Sahrawi Rights Under Pressure: Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari remains on an open-ended hunger strike in Kenitra prison, with SADR and rights lawyers demanding urgent global action over his deteriorating health. Culture, Solidarity, and Visibility: A Sahrawi delegation in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region joined events honoring Sahrawi children in the “Holidays in Peace” programme, blending politics with cultural outreach. Politics Meets Pop Culture: Morocco’s film push for tourism around Dakhla is being challenged by critics and advocacy groups, while the movie’s wider press tour also sparked controversy over Zendaya wearing ancient Iranian earrings. Food Security & Sovereignty: The US moves to suspend tariffs on Moroccan phosphate imports amid a looming fertilizer crunch, but critics say it boosts supplies mined illegally from occupied Western Sahara.

Film & Ethics: Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Odyssey is back in the spotlight after reports that parts were shot in Morocco-controlled Western Sahara near Dakhla, sparking fresh criticism that the production helps “whitewash” an unresolved occupation under international law. Sahrawi Solidarity & Prisoners: Sahrawi groups and supporters in Gran Canaria held a beach demonstration with cultural displays and calls for action over Sahrawi political prisoners, highlighting Naâma Asfari’s hunger strike. Human Rights Pressure: The SADR and European lawyers’ groups renewed urgent demands for international intervention over Asfari’s deteriorating health after weeks without adequate care. Diplomacy & Culture: A Sahrawi delegation visited Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region for events honoring children in the “Holidays in Peace” programme, mixing political solidarity with cultural programming. Arts in the News Cycle: Zendaya faced backlash over ancient Iranian earrings worn during the Odyssey press tour, adding another layer to how Hollywood promotions collide with heritage and politics. Politics Meets Entertainment: Spain’s internal debate over nationality for people born in Western Sahara under Spanish administration continues, with parliamentary votes shaping the next steps.

Human Rights Under Pressure: Sahrawi authorities and rights lawyers are demanding urgent global action over political prisoner Naâma Asfari, warning his health is critical after more than a month on hunger strike in Kenitra prison. Film, Ethics & Occupation: The blockbuster The Odyssey keeps fueling controversy as multiple reports say parts were filmed in occupied Western Sahara near Dakhla, with critics calling it a whitewashing of Morocco’s control and violations of international law. Parliament & Citizenship: Spain’s Congress Justice Commission has endorsed a nationality bill for people born in Western Sahara under Spanish administration, with final steps expected later this year. Diplomacy & Solidarity: A Sahrawi delegation visited Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region for events honoring Sahrawi children in the “Holidays in Peace” programme, while activists in Gran Canaria staged a solidarity demonstration for prisoners. Culture Meets Backlash: Zendaya faced backlash over ancient Iranian earrings worn during the film’s press tour, reigniting debates about cultural heritage and “glamourising” contested histories.

Film Ethics & Western Sahara: Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Odyssey is back in the spotlight after reports that parts were shot near Dakhla in occupied Western Sahara, sparking fresh calls that the production “whitewashes” Morocco’s control of a UN-listed non-self-governing territory. Cultural Solidarity: Sahrawi delegations and community groups keep pushing the message through events abroad, including a Gran Canaria demonstration with cultural displays and photo exhibits on Sahrawi prisoners, and a visit to Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region featuring political and solidarity activities for Sahrawi children. Human Rights Pressure: Frente POLISARIO urged the UN Security Council to act urgently over Sahrawi political prisoner Enaâma Asfari’s hunger strike, while reports also highlight growing concern over Sahrawi prisoners in Moroccan detention. Politics in the Background: Spain and Algeria move to end a diplomatic freeze without shifting their Sahara positions, and a Spanish nationality bill for Sahrawis under Spanish administration advances through Congress. Pop Culture Backlash: Zendaya faces criticism for wearing ancient Iranian earrings during the Odyssey press tour, adding another layer of controversy to the film’s global rollout.

Sahrawi Rights & Politics: The Frente POLISARIO urged the UN Security Council to act urgently to protect Sahrawi political prisoner Enaâma Asfari, on an indefinite hunger strike since 8 June in Kenitra prison, framing it as a protest against detention conditions and non-implementation of UN decisions. Cultural Solidarity: Sahrawi community groups in Gran Canaria held a beach demonstration with a traditional tent, prisoner photo exhibits, and speeches calling attention to hunger strikes and Naâma Asfari’s case. Film, Fame & Western Sahara: Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster “The Odyssey” is back in the spotlight as critics say filming in Morocco-controlled Dakhla risks normalizing occupation; Sahrawi-linked groups and filmmakers have renewed boycott calls and condemnation, while Morocco promotes Dakhla as a film/tourism destination. Diplomacy & Migration: France and Algeria’s visa talks hit friction again after Paris publicly walked back any “targets” after its ambassador in Algiers suggested a return to higher visa volumes. Arts & Fashion Backlash: Zendaya faced backlash for wearing 3,000-year-old Iranian earrings during “The Odyssey” press coverage, with art historians calling it inappropriate “accessory” use of world heritage objects.

Odyssey Backlash in Western Sahara: Calls for a boycott and fresh legal scrutiny are swirling around Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey after reports it filmed in Morocco-controlled Dakhla, with Sahrawi groups warning it “whitewashes” occupation and normalizes Rabat’s claims. Sahrawi Solidarity on the Ground: A Sahrawi delegation continued cultural and political outreach in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna, while on Gran Canaria a beach demonstration used a traditional tent, photos of prisoners, and speeches demanding action on hunger strikes. Prisoners’ Rights Pressure: Frente POLISARIO urged the UN Security Council to protect political prisoner Naâma Asfari, highlighting his ongoing hunger strike in Kenitra. Diplomacy Watch: Algeria closed its four-year freeze with Spain without shifting Madrid’s Sahara stance, and broader Morocco–Algeria rivalry continues to shape European policy. Culture Meets Politics: Even Zendaya’s Odyssey press-tour earrings sparked controversy, adding to the film’s growing mix of entertainment and geopolitics.

Film & Politics Collide: Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster “The Odyssey” is drawing fresh backlash over filming in Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara, with Sahrawi groups warning it risks whitewashing occupation and violating international law. Cultural Spotlight: A new guide highlights Morocco’s on-location filming spots for the movie, including Aït Benhaddou and desert/coastal landscapes. Human Rights Pressure: Frente POLISARIO urged the UN Security Council to act to protect Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari as his hunger strike nears a critical sixth week. Community Solidarity: Sahrawi supporters in Gran Canaria staged a beach demonstration for prisoners, featuring cultural tents, photos, and calls for immediate action. Diplomacy Watch: Algeria ended a four-year freeze with Spain without shifting Madrid’s Sahara stance, while a Sahrawi diplomat held intensive media and political outreach in Jamaica. Security & Surveillance: Investigations renewed scrutiny of Morocco’s alleged Pegasus-linked spying, including targets tied to Sahrawi activists and journalists.

Sahrawi Prisoners & UN Pressure: Frente POLISARIO urged the UN Security Council to act urgently to protect Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since 8 June in Kenitra prison. Community Solidarity in Spain: Sahrawi groups in Gran Canaria staged a beach demonstration with cultural activities and a photo exhibition calling for the release of prisoners, spotlighting Asfari’s worsening condition. Diplomacy Watch: Algeria formally ended its four-year diplomatic freeze with Spain, but the visit reportedly failed to shift Madrid’s stance on the Sahara. Film, Politics & Boycott Calls: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey keeps colliding with Western Sahara politics—critics say filming in occupied Dakhla risks whitewashing Morocco’s control, while supporters point to tourism and global attention. Media & Surveillance Fallout: New reporting on Morocco’s alleged Pegasus spyware use continues to raise alarms across Europe, including claims involving Spanish and French targets. Arts & Screen Buzz: Coverage also zooms in on The Odyssey’s production and release hype, from IMAX 70mm screenings to behind-the-scenes location talk.

Zendaya & Ancient Iran: Backlash hit The Odyssey press tour after Zendaya wore Iranian artefact earrings dated to 700BC, sparking archaeologists’ claims of cultural “hijacking.” Spyware & Morocco: A new investigation renews scrutiny of Morocco’s alleged use of Pegasus to target journalists, Sahrawi activists and officials, including reports of Spanish numbers. The Odyssey vs Western Sahara: The film’s Dakhla shoot is driving fresh boycott calls and legal criticism, with Sahrawi groups saying it risks whitewashing Morocco’s occupation and violating international law. Local Solidarity in Spain: In Gran Canaria, the Sahrawi Community Association staged a beach demonstration with cultural exhibits and prisoner-focused awareness, including hunger-strike concerns for Naâma Asfari. Franco-Moroccan Reset: France and Morocco pushed a deeper partnership in Rabat, even as Pegasus allegations threatened to overshadow the diplomacy. Box Office Buzz: The Odyssey is also landing as a major global release, with early reports of strong openings and premium-format screenings.