James Cameron Cites Political & Public Health Concerns in Move to New Zealand
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A renowned director seeks refuge from polarization and pandemic response in a nation prioritizing science and unity.
James Cameron, the 71-year-old director celebrated for blockbuster films like the Avatar series and Titanic, has revealed his decision to immigrate to new Zealand stems from deep concerns regarding American policies and societal divisions.The filmmaker, whose work enjoys significant popularity in Korea, publicly articulated his reasoning during a recent appearance on the “In Depth with Graham Bensinger” podcast, as reported by US media on thursday, October 26th.
A Contrasting Pandemic Response
Cameron’s move is largely rooted in New zealand’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the country’s success in initially “eradicating the virus twice,” noting that even when a mutated strain emerged, a 98% vaccination rate provided a crucial buffer. “This is why I love New Zealand,” he stated.
He sharply contrasted this with the situation in the United States, were he observed a significantly lower vaccination rate of 62% – a figure he noted was even declining. “We are going in the wrong direction,” Cameron asserted.
the Appeal of “Common Sense”
The director framed his decision not as a rejection of the United States, but as a deliberate choice to reside in a society he perceives as more rational and unified. “So where would you want to live?” he posed,outlining a stark choice: “A place where people believe in science and are rational and where people are united and cooperate for a common goal,or a place where everyone is at each other’s throats,is extremely polarized and ignores science,and if another pandemic occurs,there will be complete chaos.”
When challenged by the podcast host that the US remains “a fantastic place to live,” Cameron responded with a pointed, “Really?” He clarified that his move to New Zealand wasn’t motivated by the country’s scenic beauty, but by a desire to “keep common sense.”
Escaping Political Fatigue
Beyond public health, Cameron expressed a desire to escape the constant barrage of divisive political news. He described feeling “safer” in New Zealand and “pleasant that I don’t have to read about Trump on the front page of the newspaper every day.” He characterized the constant coverage as “disgusting,” praising the New Zealand media for relegating such stories to page three. “I don’t want to see that person’s face on the front page of the newspaper anymore,” he said.”But in America, I can’t avoid it. It’s like watching a car accident scene over and over again.”
A Hollywood Legacy
Born in Canada and later moving to California as a teenager, Cameron rose to prominence with The Terminator and subsequently established himself as a leading figure in hollywood with a string of prosperous films including Alien 2, True Lies, Tit
