Controversy around the resumption of filming "Avatar 2" in New Zealand

A few weeks ago, James Cameron, the director of Avatar and Jon Landau, one of the producers, landed in New Zealand to resume filming. The filming of Avatar 2 had been interrupted because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, this imminent recovery is not unanimous. Indeed, politicians in New Zealand point to a certain form of injustice between blockbusters and local workers. The film crew, which resumed on Monday, received special permission two weeks ago to bring its members to New Zealand. The goal is to be able to shoot Avatar 2  and Avatar 3 simultaneously. With borders still closed, some critics have called for unequal treatment. In an interview with the New Zealand Publication Stuff, David Seymour, MP and leader of the liberal ACT New Zealand party, sees " an insult to New Zealand workers" in the government's decision to allow filming of these blockbusters to resume. According to him, there is an unfair gap between film crews returning to the sets and small local workers who have not yet received permission to restart their activity.

"What are the rules at the border? Right now, it seems like if you're friends with the government, you're in business. But if you don't, then you're alone," Seymour said. "There should be one rule for everyone. It is unacceptable for politicians to decide who can enter the country."

A filming beneficial for the economy of New Zealand?

Ian Cossar, Minister of Labour, Innovation and Employment, responds to the criticism, indicating that the productions that will resume filming " have fulfilled the criteria" in order to return to the territory. He said they would "provide work for about 600 New Zealanders because of the significant level of their economic activity."  In addition, Jon Landeau said, "Over the next five months, we're going to spend $70 million here." It must also be said that last week, New Zealand lifted all restrictions, with the exception of border controls. This is because the country claimed to have defeated the virus. It is one of the first countries in the world to return to almost normal life. In the end, we do not know who is right, and if New Zealand performs "political favoritism", but filming will indeed resume. Theatrical releases of the two feature films are scheduled for December 15, 2021 and December 20, 2023 respectively.