Premiering at the 2022 New Zealand International Film Festival, WHEN THE COWS COME HOME follows Waikato musician turned farmer Andrew Johnstone and his bond with Tilly and Maggie, two cows he rescued from slaughter. Costa Botes crafts a thoughtful, affectionate portrait of farming, philosophy, compassion and the unexpected beauty of choosing care.

Rialto Recommends WHEN THE COWS COME HOME is a gentle, deeply human documentary with a distinctly New Zealand heart. Costa Botes finds tenderness, humour and quiet wisdom in Andrew Johnstone’s relationship with Tilly and Maggie, turning a story about two “forever cows” into a reflection on kindness, purpose and the lives we choose to protect.