As part of our Q&A series for local features playing as part of Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival, Kiwi filmmaking veteran Costa Botes tells us about his documentary When the Cows Come Home observing the unusual life of musician, journalist, artist and cow whisperer, Andrew Johnstone.
Listen to Zed Brookes and Andrew Johnstone’s album When Summer Falls, Break Down the Walls (featured in the film).
Describe your film in EXACTLY eight words.
Social misfit finds his mojo amongst cow herd.
How long have you known Andrew, and what led you to make a film about him?
I did not know AJ at all before I approached him about making a film. I was intrigued by his Facebook posts about his ‘forever cows’, Tilly and Maggie. I went to Cambridge for the cows, and stayed for the man.
What similarities—if any—do you see between yourself and your subject?
We are quite different people, but we clicked on a personal level pretty quickly. I could relate to AJ’s troubled school history, his intolerance for bigotry and injustice; but most of all his relentless curiosity and reflexive creativity.
Do you think it’s becoming increasingly difficult to pursue the sort of varied interests Andrew has?
It’s never been easy for creative people to find a sustainable niche in a materialistic and largely philistine nation. Those that do are usually specialists. Going your own way and making all kinds of art for the hell of it is an act of heroism.
Costa Botes (left) and Andrew Johnstone (right)
What feelings does Andrew’s art and music evoke in you?
Those feelings are expressed quite liberally in my film.
What does Andrew’s relationship with animals reveal about his character?
He is one of the most sensitive and empathetic people I’ve ever known.
During production, what was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome?
Getting out of bed. I have never been an early riser. But on the farm, all the gold happens not long after the sun comes up. The early bird catches the worm! Also, walking for miles every day in gumboots.
For you, what was the most memorable part of this whole experience?
Being in the heart of the herd, completely surrounded by cows. It was like being swallowed by a whale. The sound of it was incredible. I have tried to capture a sense of it in the film.
What was the last great film you saw?
The Worst Person in the World. Just a beautiful piece of work on every level.
