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When The Cows Come Home
Feature Documentary 2022 Lone Pine Films A Costa Botes film about musician, artist, journalist and ’cow whisperer’ Andrew Johnstone.
"The garrulous herdsman is enthusiastic to expound his views on animal husbandry, bovine communication and the vagaries of life in general, before the film walks us back through the events that have shaped the singular farmer-philosopher.
From personal family tragedy to warring with Catholic school authorities, innovating in Hamilton’s nascent music scene to creating guerrilla art installations; Johnstone’s life has had a truly idiosyncratic trajectory. Mental health issues may have seen him retreat to life on the farm, but the film makes clear its subject’s restless inquisitiveness is far from being put out to pasture." (Adrian Hatwell)
“…As much a portrait of a rural farming family, the sensitivity beneath the stoic front might surprise those who view farming as a tough and unemotional business. Incredibly beautiful to look at with a score that soars, this is Botes' best work yet. “ (Sarah McMullan - Letterboxed)
Tom's music score features Age Pryor (guitars), Vesa-Matti Leppänen (violin), Andrew Thomson (viola), Andrew Joyce (Cello), and Sarah Lineham (vocals), along with a cameo from Botes' himself on ukulele (end credits).
