8 July 2024
GFS is thrilled to share film festival updates for our feature documentary, "Sculpting the Giant." Following its world premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) in October 2023, "Sculpting the Giant" won “Best Documentary in Art and Power” at the Master of Art Film Festival in February 2024. Building on this success, "Sculpting the Giant" was selected for the Bali International Film Festival, where it went on to win the AICEF Award for Cross-Cultural Filmmaking in June 2024.
In 1990, Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta made a promise to build one of the largest statues on Earth. The 121-meter-tall Garuda Wisnu Kencana would portray the Hindu god Vishnu mounted on the mythical bird Garuda. This would be his ultimate tribute to the island he came from, Bali. In his quest to realize his dream, Naurta and his family endured almost three decades of trials and tribulations; from a devasting fire, a world-wide financial crisis, to death threats. After 28 years of struggle and sacrifices, Garuda Wisnu Kencana was built, standing tall to be a testament of sheer determination.
At its core, "Sculpting the Giant" is a celebration of art, creativity, and the indomitable spirit of artists who dare to dream big. It's a story that resonates with anyone who has ever pursued a passion with unwavering determination.
“Directors Rheza Arden and Banu Wirandoko document a 28-year quest for glory in this engrossing film. Indonesian sculptor Nyoman Nuarta’s goal is to build the world’s largest brass and copper structure: the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. Featuring two Hindu gods, the statue is to be located in an abandoned limestone quarry in Bali, which Nyoman plans to turn into a park. To meet his objective, the artist will have to contend with public opposition, political turmoil, and many other obstacles… Using animation, archival footage, and time-lapse photography among other tools, Arden and Wirandoko paint a vivid picture of large-scale obsession. The footage of the GWK construction is often breathtaking, and in Nyoman, the filmmakers have a multifaceted subject to centre their film on — he is both businessman and artist, visionary and pragmatist, megalomaniac and humble family man. Fascinating, suspenseful, and marked by moments of vertiginous beauty, Sculpting the Giant is a truly remarkable documentary.” – Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
Sculpting the Giant – Official Website