South Tunisia: Star Wars filming location suffers environmental threat

24 November 2015, Vita International

Almost 40 years ago Star Wars was filmed in the south of Tunisia. The area is now attracting concerns from environmental organizations, rather than tourists.

Almost 40 years has passed since the world-famous saga Star Wars was filmed in the south of Tunisia, in an area which offers beautiful natural scenery and resources. Notwithstanding its cinematic fame, the city of Tataouine – after which the planet Tatooine was named in George Lucas’ film – has not become a touristic mecca as one could expect.

As highlighted in a documentary by environmental organization CEE Bankwatch Network, “Tataouine struggles with more than lack of tourism. The civil war across the border in Libya, religious radicalism and not least aggressive activity of foreign mining companies seem to pose a threat in the people’s fight for democracy and progress.”

In a 24-minute documentary named Winstar Wars the environmental network offers a glimpse at how the region looks today. The film is part of the Polish Festival HumanDOC and can be watched for free using the platform Kinoplex.