Acclaimed film director James Cameron, best known for blockbuster hits like Avatar and Titanic, has announced his permanent departure from the United States, choosing New Zealand as his new home. In a revealing interview, Cameron cited the stark contrast in political and social climates between the two nations as the driving force behind his decision.
A Move for Sanity and Science
Cameron explained that his relocation was motivated by a desire to preserve his mental well-being, describing the experience of living in the US during Donald Trump's presidency as akin to "watching a car crash over and over." He contrasted this with New Zealand, where he believes people are "for the most part, sane" and capable of working together towards common goals.
Pandemic Response as a Turning Point
The director highlighted New Zealand's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic as a pivotal factor in his choice. He praised the country for initially eliminating the virus completely, not once but twice, and achieving a vaccination rate of 98% before a mutated strain emerged. Cameron pointedly compared this to the US, where he noted vaccination rates were lower and declining, stating, "Where would you rather live? A place that actually believes in science and is sane... or a place where everybody's at each other's throats, extremely polarised, turning its back on science."
Permanent Settlement and Citizenship
Cameron and his wife purchased a farm in New Zealand back in 2011, but it was after the pandemic that they decided to make the move permanent. He revealed that his New Zealand citizenship is now "imminent," solidifying his ties to the country where much of the recent Avatar film was shot. This decision marks a significant lifestyle shift for the Hollywood heavyweight.
Part of a Broader Celebrity Exodus
Cameron is not alone in his departure from the US. He joins a growing list of film industry figures who have relocated internationally, often citing political reasons. Notable examples include:
- George Clooney, who has recently been granted French citizenship.
- Jim Jarmusch, who has announced he is applying for French citizenship.
- Ellen DeGeneres, who has moved to the UK.
- Rosie O'Donnell, who has relocated to Ireland.
This trend underscores a broader disillusionment among some celebrities with the current state of American politics and society.
In his interviews, Cameron expressed concern about the US's preparedness for future crises, suggesting the country would be in "utter disarray" if another pandemic occurred. His move reflects a personal quest for stability and a community that values scientific consensus and cooperative effort, setting a notable example in the ongoing discourse about global mobility and political allegiance.
