Observational New Zealand documentary from veteran independent filmmaker Costa Botes charting the unusual life of musician, journalist, artist and cow whisperer,...
Observational New Zealand documentary from veteran independent filmmaker Costa Botes charting the unusual life of musician, journalist, artist and cow whisperer, Andrew Johnstone.
"Opening on the Johnstone family farm in Cambridge, When the Cows Come Home, Johnstone is enthusiastic to expound his views on animal husbandand bovine communication, before the film walks us back through the events that have shaped the farmer-philosopher – from personal family tragedy to warring with Catholic school authorities, innovating in Hamilton’s nascent&o 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." (Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival)
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"It's an unhurried, gentle, very meditative documentary."
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Radio New Zealand
Radio New Zealand"The film is beautifully shot, impressively structured, insightful and touching without being exploitative or manipulative..."
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Otago Daily Times
Otago Daily Times"The score by Tom McLeod is a highlight of the film, adding a real emotional resonance to the piece."
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TVNZ
TVNZ"Watch closely – and don't expect it to rush – and When the Cows Come Home is a gem."
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Stuff
StuffWhen the Cows Come Home | Details
- Runtime
- 104
- Genre
- Documentary
- Country of origin
- New Zealand
