A cow whisperer, a family tragedy, and the philosophy of moo-ving forward.
When the Cows Come Home introduces audiences to Tilly and Maggie, a pair of cows that musician, journalist, artist and cow whisperer, Andrew Johnstone has befriended and subsequently saved from slaughter. The garrulous herdsman is enthusiastic to expound his views on animal husbandry, bovine communication and the vagaries of life in general, before the film walks us back through the events that have shaped the singular farmer-philosopher. From personal family tragedy to warring with Catholic school authorities, innovating in Hamilton’s nascent music scene to creating guerrilla art installations; Johnstone’s life has had a truly idiosyncratic trajectory. Mental health issues may have seen him retreat to life on the farm, but the film makes clear its subject’s restless inquisitiveness is far from being put out to pasture.
Direction
Botes lets Johnstone ramble gloriously without over-explaining.
Production
Guerrilla art archive footage that feels stolen in the best way.
Writing
Structure that mirrors its subject: digressive, stubborn, oddly profound.
Director
Costa Botes
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Hamilton's music scene in the 80s was a genuine incubator for NZ indie rock; Johnstone was there before most.
The 'cow whisperer' label undersells it: Johnstone developed actual documented techniques for bovine stress reduction that farmers now use.
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