The trailer for New Zealand documentary When The Cows Come Home has today been unveiled ahead of the film’s nationwide general release in November. From Vendetta Films, When The Cows Come Home follows the daily routine of Andrew Johnstone, a Waikato herdsman who lives on his parents farm looking after a large group of beef cattle.

After a series of failures in love and life, social misfit Andrew returns to the family farm near Cambridge where he discovers a unexpected and bewitching affinity with cows. As the film continues, we learn about a man who has suffered many tragedies but has ultimately found his way to healing and contentment. As a man who has worn many hats, Andrew has been a fencer, rock star, songwriter, poet, painter, gardener, sales manager, radio broadcaster, magazine editor and journalist, but has ultimately found solace in the company of cows, particularly his adopted cows Tilly and Maggie.

Directed by Costa Botes, this delightful and thought-provoking documentary paints a stunning picture of the Waikato, with beautiful scenery aiding the story of Andrew’s life. Costa is an award-winning director whose credits include Angie, Act of Kindness, The Last Dogs of Winter, and the short film Stalin’s Sickle, which won the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival jury prize in 1988. When The Cows Come Home premiered at the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival in July 2022.

Director, producer, and editor Costa Botes comments on releasing the film around Aotearoa: “When The Cows Come Home tells a deeper story than a first glance might suggest. NZIFF audiences were surprised and delighted by its twists and turns, and gave the film a big thumbs up. Now, with the film coming out soon on general release, I’m excited film goers around the country will get a chance to see it.”

On his life story being chronicled for the world to see, Andrew Johnstone says: “When Costa Botes turned up on the farm with his crew, cameras, and sound gear, I had no idea what to expect. The result was a beautiful film filled with transformative qualities. It surprised me personally, and even more to see how it affected audiences. I can’t wait for the rest of the country to see it.”

When The Cows Come Home is directed, produced, and edited by Costa Botes. The film was scored by Tom McLeod. It was completed with the assistance of a Feature Film Finishing Grant from the New Zealand Film Commission.