Following a decade-long battle with cancer, Costa Botes has passed away
Costa, best known internationally for Forgotten Silver, the landmark mockumentary he created with Sir Peter Jackson has died after living with cancer for nearly ten years.
Botes’ career spanned more than four decades, earning him multiple awards for films including Forgotten Silver, Stalin’s Sickle (1988), Saving Grace (1999) and Lost in Wonderland (2010). According to New Zealand On Screen, he contributed to more than 40 productions between 1980 and 2023.
Born on the Turkish island of Imbroz to Greek parents, Botes grew up in Wellington and discovered film-making after veering away from “being bored witless” by his English literature degree. He went on to study film at Ilam School of Fine Arts in Christchurch and became a full-time filmmaker in 1985. He continued working until shortly before his death at Wellington’s Mary Potter Hospice on November 21.
His partner of 14 years, Debs Botes, said Costa took particular pride in his independent documentaries – the shoestring projects he shaped with the help of friends and colleagues.
“He liked being the lone wolf because he made the decisions at the end of the day,” she said. “He was very proud of When the Cows Came Home and others like The Last Dogs of Winter, Angie, and Act of Kindness. There were quite a few in the last 15 years he was really proud of.”
Just weeks before his death, Botes completed the first cut of a new film. Debs hopes a long-time collaborator will be able to finish it for release next year.
Botes was also a much-loved figure in Wellington’s music community, both as a player and an avid listener. In his final weeks he bought his “dream guitar”, a Gibson Les Paul, and posted photos of himself playing it from his hospital bed.
Arts writer Sarah McMullan said Botes inspired many with his no-nonsense approach and generosity of spirit.
“He loved life and he loved people. That’s why he made such beautiful films – he was so interested in people. He achieved a level of intimacy in his work that made it really special,” she said. “I wish everyone could have watched Jaws with audio commentary from Costa. His analysis opened your eyes to the detail and nuance of great film-making.”
He also shared his passion through teaching, with stints at the New Zealand Film and TV School, Victoria University and Massey University.
Filmmaker Zoe McIntosh recently wrote of Botes’ profound influence on her early career, recalling how he agreed on the spot to shoot her first documentary Lost in Wonderland when she was 22 and broke.
“No funding applications. No contracts. No catch,” she said. “That offhand ‘yes’ changed everything.”
“He was always there, always honest – sometimes brutally – but he never let me lose sight of my vision. Costa gives his time generously, quietly, without agenda. He’s the guy at the back of the screening checking sound levels while everyone else basks in applause.”
Wellington musician Carol Bean, who both worked on Botes’ films and played music with him, remembered his sharp wit and compassion.
“He didn’t suffer fools, but he was deeply compassionate,” she said. “He liked shining lights in the dark corners with his films – bringing people out, bringing the real story out.”
In his final days at Mary Potter Hospice, staff made space for his beloved dogs, his editing setup, and his guitar. Debs Botes said their care meant everything.
“He knew what was happening, and he knew it was the best place for him to be because they would keep him comfortable – and they did that to the very last moment.”
Go well Costa.
