Prolific filmmaker Costa Botes, known for his work on the mockumentary Forgotten Silver with Peter Jackson, has passed away after battling cancer for nearly a decade.
Botes achieved multiple awards for his contributions to Forgotten Silver in the late 1990s, as well as for his short films such as Stalin’s Sickle (1988), Saving Grace (1999), and Lost in Wonderland in 2010.
His Screenography on New Zealand On Screen lists over 40 productions he was involved in between 1980 and 2023.
Originally born to Greek parents on the Turkish Island of Imbroz, Botes grew up in Wellington. He transitioned from studying English Literature to pursuing film at Ilam School of Fine Arts in Christchurch, where his passion for filmmaking blossomed. Botes devoted himself full-time to filmmaking in 1985 and continued to work on projects until his passing at Wellington’s Mary Potter Hospice on 21 November.
Continued Dedication to His Craft
Botes’s partner Debs Botes revealed that he took immense pride in his body of work but found particular fulfillment in his independent productions.
“He cherished the documentaries he made independently on a shoestring budget, where he collaborated with friends and colleagues to create something remarkable,” she shared.
“He enjoyed being the sole decision-maker in those projects,” Debs Botes added. “He was especially proud of films like When the Cows Came Home, The Last Dogs of Winter, Angie, and Act of Kindness, among others, from the last 15 years of his career.”
Prior to his passing, Botes had completed the initial editing of a new film, which Debs Botes hoped a colleague would refine for release in the upcoming year.
Besides his filmmaking endeavors, Botes was well-known in Wellington’s music scene, both as a musician and a devoted listener. In his final days, he acquired his dream guitar, a Gibson Les Paul, and shared images of himself playing the instrument from his hospital bed.
An Enduring Legacy
Arts and entertainment writer Sarah McMullan praised Botes for his straightforward approach and generosity. She highlighted their bond through his work on the 2011 documentary The Last Dogs of Winter.
“He had a deep love for life and people, which reflected in his beautiful films. He had a genuine interest in people, and that’s what brought such intimacy to his work,” McMullan reflected.
McMullan also commended Botes for his teaching stints in filmmaking and scriptwriting at various universities, emphasizing his profound insights and passion for the craft.
Costa Botes’s impact extended beyond his professional work. Filmmaker Zoe McIntosh shared on the Women in Film & Television website how his mentorship and belief in her capabilities transformed her career.
“He was always there, always honest, sometimes brutally so. But he never let me lose sight of my vision,” McIntosh noted. “Motivated by people and stories, Costa’s influence was invaluable in shaping my confidence and direction as a filmmaker.”
Remembering a Creative Soul
Wellington musician Carol Bean, who collaborated with Botes on film sets and in music projects, admired his musical talent and sharp wit.
“He had a sharp tongue but was deeply compassionate at his core. He had a knack for highlighting the best in people and stories, shining a light in the darkest corners,” Bean shared.
Costa Botes spent his final weeks under the care of Mary Potter Hospice in Newtown Wellington, where he was surrounded by his beloved dogs, music, and editing tools.
“He understood the situation and knew it was the best place for him to be. The hospice staff ensured his comfort until his last breath,” Debs Botes expressed.
following sentence:
The dog ran quickly across the field.
Rewritten sentence: The dog sprinted across the field with speed.
