Act of Kindness is a true story about a young New Zealander’s search amongst the streets and shanties of Rwanda for a homeless, crippled beggar who years earlier had helped him out of a dangerous predicament. Hopeful of repaying his debt of gratitude to this unlikely samaritan, he pursued a seemingly hopeless task, tracking one man amongst ten million – a man he only knew by a single name … ‘Johnson’.

Interview with Producer/Director/Editor Costa Botes

Watch Act of Kindness on Vimeo on demand

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Because it was there. Literally. It’s a kind of ‘found footage’ movie. Sven Pannell, my co-director, shot the film in 2007, but struggled to extract a coherent narrative. Yet the story was fantastic. We met in 2010. He pitched his tale. I found it a compelling challenge.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

It’s about a spark of light in a very dark place. It’s a movie that speaks to the best people can be, rather than the worst. I think it’s inspiring. And it’ll make you feel good.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The film has a compelling external quest at its heart; but it’s also the story of an arrogant young man who has to learn some humility before he can succeed.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

There has never been a script. The film was shot on the run, documenting real events. But the shooting was haphazard and of wildly varying quality. There were significant editing problems that caused false starts and delays.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Act of Kindness screened around NZ as part of the NZ Film festival. We sold out every show and audiences loved it.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Yes. I didn’t expect the effusive reaction we got. It’s a small, very low budget, very simply shot picture. I didn’t have many expectations for it.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

It’s always nice to be noticed. Making movies isn’t entirely a matter of self gratification!

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

It is incredibly difficult to get documentaries noticed in a very crowded marketplace, especially little indy docs with no celebrity connections. I’d love to get this title onto the radar of more film festival directors.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

It’s already had the impact I hoped for. My initial ambitions were purely national. We showed it around NZ and got a great response. I was happy to leave it there, but any chance to show it elsewhere would be wonderful.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

How can people who have been through a genocide - both killers and victims - live together afterwards?

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Sven isn’t making any more movies. A short drama I wrote with its director, Zoe McIntosh (The World in Your Window) has just premiered at Clermont Ferrand, where it won an award, and also just screened as an official selection at Tribeca. I am currently completing a new feature documentary.

Interview: May 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Act of Kindness

In one of the most crowded countries on earth, a man searches for another man, with only a single name and a decade old memory to guide him.

Length: 80 minutes

Director: Costa Botes & Sven Pannell

Producer: Costa Botes, Lone Pine Films Limited

Editor: Costa Botes

About the director and producer:

Producer/Director/Editor Costa Botes is a veteran Kiwi film maker whose work has been recognised at home and abroad. His films include Forgotten Silver, Candyman:The David Klein Story, and The Last Dogs of Winter. Sven Pannell studied law at Cambridge University. He had a colourful life before settling down to concentrate on business oriented roles.

Key cast: Sven Pannell, Fabrice Kirwa

Looking for film festival directors, journalists:

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/svensaok/

Other: www.costabotes.com

Funders: Lone Pine Films, Park Road Post Production, NZ Film Commission
Made in association with: N/A

Where can I see it in the next month? Next scheduled public screening Melbourne Documentary Film Festival: Sunday, 16th July 2017 from 6pm - 8.30pm at Longplay Cinema 318 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia