“Even Loners Need a Herd...”
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.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
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Cast
9 people
Costa Botes Director
First release July 28, 2022 · Produced in New Zealand
Production
Lone Pine
Production
New Zealand
Produced in
Languages
Original language
English
Spoken on screen
English
Release dates
New Zealand · July 28, 2022
Premiere · New Zealand International Film Festival, July 28-August 31 2022
No release date listed for United States.
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