The cast
Starring Graham McTavish and David Wenham, with a cast drawn from across Aotearoa — and one very good dog.
as Angus
A giant of a man with a voice like distant thunder, Angus has farmed the same hill country for forty-two years and reckons he has another forty in him. Graham McTavish brings warmth and stubborn grace to a man learning to let his family in.
as Ray Cassidy
Ray arrives from out of town in a bolo tie and mirrored aviators, promising to put the district on the map. David Wenham plays him with glorious, slightly desperate charm — the villain everyone secretly enjoys.
as Tui
Thirteen, freckled, and the best handler in the family — if only anyone would let her prove it. Tui is the heart of the film and the only one Bo will listen to.
as Aunty Del
Runs the country hall, the raffle, the sausage sizzle and, quietly, the entire district.
Meet the dog
A black-and-white heading dog with one ear that never quite behaves. Bo does not act. Bo simply is — and the camera loves him for it.
Four heading dogs shared the role across the shoot, each with their own speciality — one for close work, one for the long muster shots, one who could hold a stare for eleven seconds, and one who simply liked riding in the ute.
An animal welfare representative was present every day of principal photography. Every dog in this film went home to its own farm each night.
