“Sculpting the Giant ” documents the 28-year long process of Indonesian sculptor Nyoman Nuarta’s dream of completing the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (aka GWK), a 122-meter tall statue in Bali, Indonesia.
Originally hired to document the statue’s construction for archival purposes, directors, Rheza Arden Wiguna and Banu Wirandoko, realized Nuarta’s passion and dedication to the project and was compelled to turn the footage into a feature film, which has thus brought them to their world premier at VIFF.
The viewer is constantly faced with the deities, Garuda and Vishnu (Wisnu), of Hindu mythology. The statue shows Vishnu riding atop Garuda’s shoulders in search for the elixir of life to save Garuda’s mother from slavery.
Using a combination of archival and original footage, the film is crafted to capture the scale of the monument. The editing and cinematography of Dini Aristya Wulandari skillfully immerses the viewer in the grandiose physical presence as well as the spiritual significance of the statue. The music by Bintang Olii beautifully compliments Nuarta’s journey. It underscores and heightens the grandness of GWK’s construction.
We learn of the opposition Nuarta faced by religious leaders for using Hindu symbols in the worldly realm of tourism. We witness the turmoil Nuarta and his family faced during political crises, economic depression and natural disasters. We see the sacrifice Nuarta and his wife, Cynthia, had to endure in raising their daughters while managing a business that was set to fail. After numerous delays and setbacks in the construction, it is clear that he and his wife have developed a kind of dedication that is complex and profoundly human.
The statue’s components were built in Bandung, West Java, and then transported to the work site that was previously an abandoned limestone quarry. As we watch the final pieces being lifted, we can see that Nuarta’s process of manifesting GWK was a spiritual journey in itself.
In conclusion, “Sculpting the Giant” is a visually arresting piece of cinema. It delves into the complexities of Indonesia’s history, the power of art, and the intricacies of the human spirit. With exceptional cinematography and beautiful score, this film is a must-see for those who appreciate the creative process and how such a process can elevate one’s spirituality and purpose.
– Maya Prasasto