Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron has revealed that his New Zealand citizenship is “imminent” and hinted at plans to relocate permanently, citing disillusionment with the political landscape in the United States, particularly under a second term of Donald Trump.

The Canadian-born director, best known for his cinematic masterpieces Titanic and Avatar, told New Zealand news outlet Stuff that he envisions his South Wairarapa farm as his primary family residence.

Cameron has owned the expansive 1,000-hectare dairy farm since 2012 and has maintained strong ties with the island nation, having worked closely with Wellington-based Weta Digital on Avatar, a collaboration that earned the studio an Academy Award for visual effects.

A Political and Personal Shift

Cameron, who has long been vocal about his concerns over Trump’s leadership, described the president’s tenure as “horrifying” and akin to “watching a car crash over and over again.” He criticized the Trump administration for what he sees as a departure from the core values historically associated with America.

“I see it as a turn away from everything decent,” Cameron stated, emphasizing his belief that the U.S. is being hollowed out for personal political gain. Despite this, he clarified that his decision to move is not solely based on political discontent but also stems from his appreciation of New Zealand’s culture and governance.

Finding Solace in New Zealand’s Media Environment

While acknowledging that safety concerns exist everywhere, Cameron highlighted one aspect of New Zealand life that offers him relief—the media. The director expressed his frustration with the overwhelming presence of Trump-related coverage in the American press and welcomed the comparatively subdued approach of New Zealand’s news outlets.

“There’s something nice about the New Zealand outlets — at least they’ll put it [Trump stories] on page three.… I just don’t want to see that guy’s face anymore on the front page of the paper,” he remarked.

Embracing New Zealand Citizenship

Cameron’s journey toward citizenship has been a long and deliberate one.

He emphasized that obtaining Kiwi nationality “means a lot” to him and is something he has worked hard for. He believes in earning one’s place in a country rather than simply residing there, reinforcing his deep commitment to integrating into New Zealand society.

His affinity for the country extends beyond politics. He drew comparisons between New Zealanders and Canadians, citing a shared sense of respect and equality. Cameron said:

“I grew up in Canada, and I see a lot of similarities here in the way people behave. I actually like it here a little better. There’s an innate respect and a demand for respect. Everybody has this kind of equal status in terms of personhood. And I love that — that’s what I wanted my kids to experience”.

Social Media Reactions

Cameron’s revelation has ignited discussions on social media, with opinions ranging from support to criticism. Some users empathized with his frustrations, with one X user writing, “I feel you, James.”

Others viewed his comments as part of a broader issue in Hollywood’s focus on political discourse. One user remarked, “If filmmakers focused on storytelling and craft as much as they do on Donald Trump, movies might still be watchable.”

Commitment to New Zealand’s Film Industry

Beyond personal reasons, Cameron’s move aligns with his professional ambitions. In 2023, he expressed intentions to produce all future projects in New Zealand, fostering local talent and contributing to the country’s film industry.

“I love working here. I love the people that I get to work with here,” he said, signaling a significant shift in the global filmmaking landscape as yet another high-profile director invests in New Zealand as a creative hub.

As Cameron prepares for this next chapter, his transition from Hollywood to the lush landscapes of New Zealand may serve as a case study in how political and cultural climates influence the migration of influential figures.

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