Renowned Filmmaker Costa Botes Passes Away After Battle with Cancer

Costa Botes, a celebrated New Zealand filmmaker known for his impactful documentaries and mockumentaries, has died after a long battle with cancer. He passed away on November 21, 2023, at the Mary Potter Hospice in Wellington, where he had been receiving care. Botes gained recognition for his collaboration with Peter Jackson on the acclaimed mockumentary Forgotten Silver, which garnered multiple awards in the late 1990s.

Botes’s career spanned over four decades, during which he contributed to more than 40 productions from 1980 to 2023. His notable works include the short film Stalin’s Sickle (1988) and the feature films Saving Grace (1999) and Lost in Wonderland (2010).

Born to Greek parents on the Turkish Island of Imbroz, Botes grew up in Wellington. He initially pursued an English Literature degree but soon redirected his passion towards film, studying at the Ilam School of Fine Arts in Christchurch. He began his professional filmmaking career in 1985 and maintained an active presence in the industry until shortly before his death.

A Legacy of Independent Filmmaking

Botes’s wife, Debs Botes, reflected on his pride in his body of work, particularly his independent films. She noted, “He was very proud of When the Cows Came Home and others like The Last Dogs of Winter and Act of Kindness.” In his final weeks, he completed a first cut of a new film, which his partner hopes will be ready for release in the coming year.

In addition to his filmmaking, Botes was a passionate musician. He recently acquired his dream guitar, a Gibson Les Paul, and shared images of himself playing it from his hospital bed, illustrating his enduring love for music even during his illness.

Botes’s influence extended beyond filmmaking; he was known in Wellington’s music circles, both as a performer and an avid listener. Arts and entertainment writer Sarah McMullan praised his straightforward approach and willingness to engage in discussions about film. She fondly recalled their conversations about his work on the 2011 documentary The Last Dogs of Winter, emphasizing his deep understanding of cinematic techniques.

Inspiration and Mentorship

Filmmaker Zoe McIntosh shared her experience of working with Botes on Lost in Wonderland, which won the Best Documentary award at the Qantas Film and Television Awards. She recounted how Botes encouraged her to pursue her first documentary idea, saying, “I’ll shoot it. Let’s just go make it.” This unguarded support profoundly impacted her career and confidence.

Wellington musician Carol Bean, who collaborated with Botes on various projects, admired his humor and compassion. She described him as someone who “didn’t suffer fools” but had a genuine interest in authentic storytelling. Botes often spoke about “shining lights in the dark corners” through his films, aiming to reveal the true essence of people and their stories.

During his final days, Debs Botes expressed gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the hospice staff, who ensured that he was comfortable and supported. “He knew what was happening and he knew that it was the best place for him to be,” she said.

The legacy of Costa Botes will continue to resonate within the New Zealand film industry and beyond, inspiring future filmmakers and audiences alike with his commitment to storytelling and creativity.