Renowned Kiwi Filmmaker Costa Botes Passes Away After Cancer Battle

Prolific New Zealand documentary filmmaker and director Costa Botes has passed away after a long battle with cancer, which he faced for nearly a decade. Botes, widely recognized for his collaboration with Sir Peter Jackson on the acclaimed mockumentary Forgotten Silver, died at Wellington’s Mary Potter Hospice on November 21, 2023.

Born to Greek parents on the Turkish island of Imbroz, Botes was raised in Wellington. He initially pursued an English literature degree but soon shifted his focus to film, enrolling at the Ilam School of Fine Arts in Christchurch. This transition marked the beginning of a vibrant career that saw him become a significant figure in New Zealand’s film industry.

Throughout his career, Botes garnered recognition for his contributions to cinema. He won multiple awards for Forgotten Silver, released in the late 1990s, as well as for his short film Stalin’s Sickle in 1988. His later works, including Saving Grace in 1999 and Lost in Wonderland in 2010, further cemented his reputation as a talented filmmaker.

Botes’ extensive screenography features over 40 productions, as documented by New Zealand On Screen, showcasing his diverse talents from 1980 until 2023. His dedication to storytelling and documentary filmmaking left an indelible mark on the New Zealand arts scene.

His decision to pursue a career in film was driven by a desire to escape the mundane. Botes once described feeling “bored witless” by his previous studies and was eager to explore the world of visual storytelling. This passion led him to commit to filmmaking full-time in 1985.

Botes’ impact on the film industry extends beyond his individual projects. He played a role in shaping a generation of filmmakers in New Zealand, inspiring many with his innovative approach to documentary and narrative cinema.

Colleagues and fans alike remember Costa Botes for his unique vision and unwavering commitment to his craft. His legacy will continue to influence future generations of filmmakers in New Zealand and beyond.