Esteemed Kiwi Filmmaker Costa Botes Passes Away After Cancer Battle

Costa Botes, a renowned Kiwi documentary filmmaker, has passed away after a long struggle with cancer, which he battled for nearly a decade. He died at the Mary Potter Hospice in Wellington on November 21, 2023. Botes was best known for his collaboration with Sir Peter Jackson on the mockumentary Forgotten Silver, which gained significant acclaim in the late 1990s.

Botes’s career spanned over four decades, during which he made remarkable contributions to New Zealand cinema. He won multiple awards for his work, including accolades for Forgotten Silver, the short film Stalin’s Sickle in 1988, and later projects such as Saving Grace in 1999 and Lost in Wonderland in 2010. His extensive screenography is highlighted by over 40 productions listed on New Zealand On Screen, showcasing a diverse range of talent and creativity.

Born to Greek parents on the Turkish island of Imbroz, Botes grew up in Wellington after his family relocated. He initially pursued an English literature degree but found himself disengaged and subsequently redirected his focus to film. Botes studied at Ilam School of Fine Arts in Christchurch, where he discovered his passion for filmmaking. In 1985, he transitioned to full-time filmmaking, dedicating his life to the craft until shortly before his passing.

Throughout his career, Botes was celebrated not only for his storytelling skills but also for his ability to blend humor and poignancy in his work. His impact on New Zealand’s film industry remains profound, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to tell their stories with honesty and creativity.

Botes’s legacy will continue through his films and the countless lives he touched within the creative community. As tributes pour in from colleagues and fans alike, it is clear that his contributions to film and documentary storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry.