Singer Antoine spoke at Quesnoy on Friday to talk about New Zealand

An icon of a whole generation passes through Avesnois to present his film about New Zealand, a documentary in which he tells the island from every angle. an interview.

Obviously, he still hasn’t cut his hair! Oh no, his mop, Antoine loves very much to fly with the winds of the globe. The globe that the famous singer and visual model has traveled many times, mainly to get to New Zealand. Friday, September 16th, he will be at 3 Ballot Theater for the screening of his latest film Stop in New Zealand.

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

Hum… It’s not that easy but I would like to say that I am currently a documentary film maker and before people knew me mainly as a singer and author of books or photo albums. The youngest know me mainly thanks to the bar Atul, optometrists. Because yes, out of the 27 professions I’ve practiced, there’s also advertising modeling (laughs).

What is the value of your visit to Le Quesnoy for us?

I came for… New Zealand! I had the opportunity to meet Gerard Rishon, who was the president of the association New Zealand Tell us about the close connection between these two regions. So while waiting to come back to see this beautiful country by Christmas, I am happy to bring him to Le Quesnoy for a one-of-a-kind conference. I will take the opportunity to visit the area.

“The Avesnois family is of particular interest to me because of their history with Stevenson.”

Anthony

An area you know quite a bit, right?

My only contact with the area is Cambrai, a town I used to go to regularly for Fête de la Bêtise. Moreover, it is said, since I was originally an engineer by training and had a design office, I designed one of the rooms in this city. But this is not the case! Even if I opened it as a singer.

So you don’t know Aveno?

No, it would be a discovery. But Avesnois particularly interests me because of his history with Stevenson, whose Sambre traveled in a canoe, I think. So I’m going to go photograph it all a little bit.

videos? over here ?

Yes, I plan to shoot on the various channels of France. On this occasion we will also go and look at the Canal du Nord shipyard, even if it is more industrial, for large boats. The idea is also to go see the ramparts of Le Quesnoy and discover what connects the city with New Zealand.

And you? What connects you to this country specifically?

I have been traveling for years on my boat but it hasn’t left the Pacific Ocean since 2002. Because in this ocean, there are seasons of hurricanes, etc. So in general, to avoid them, sailors go either to Australia or New Zealand. I’ve been going there for years and I have to admit: it has truly become one of my favorite destinations, to the point that I’m making a movie about it.

what is he talking about?

It is just a journey. me and my girlfriend. My first stay there was in 1986, or maybe 87 years old. So the movie uses photos that were shot all these years and some of them may be 5, 10 or 15 years old.

What do you like there?

Many things made us fall in love. The residents are indeed, very welcoming, very friendly, even if the history between Maori and Pakha (New Zealanders of Anglo-Saxon, European, or non-Maori descent, editor’s note.) The fact that there are very good professionals for the maintenance and repair of boats.

What is the other?

The country consists of two large islands, North and South, each with its own character and history. Very likable and multicultural stories. We also show it in our movie with people from Europe, Asia, etc. Cultures are very scattered there. Everyone has their own traditions and some festivals bring that together, it’s amazing. What a diversity of landscapes…! Unlike Australia, the island is located on a human scale. It is enough to drive 30 km to completely change the landscape.

What kind of landscape?

Forests, meadows, farms, a lot of sheep but also desert places, glaciers, ski resorts, snow and wonderful lakes… It is a very beautiful country, very interesting and very much appreciated by young people who will stay there often.

Do you see the stigma of global warming?

What is the inevitable witness, as everywhere else, is the glaciers. It’s the equivalent of a canary in the coal mine. It’s the glaciers that show that something is going on. They haven’t disappeared yet but are retreating at full speed. This is certain.

An island still perfect for seniors?

So, I have another favorite place: Auvergne. I bought property there with my first successes, and my copyrights in particular. nice place. Well, you can’t see the sea there but… It’s very beautiful too!

Practical information

Stops in New Zealand, Friday 16th September at 8pm at 3 oaks theater in Quesnoy. Admission: 5 euros. Information on 03 27 49 09 31. Tickets can be purchased at Town Hall now.