A solid and inanimate object without any significance. That may be the line some of us use to describe stones. However, in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, there are stories and mysteries with stone taking a center place, elevating them to a completely different level. They believe the first human to be a woman who gave birth to a stone. In the documentary Wa’anak Witu Watu (Natasha Tontey, 2021), stones became a deeply explored subject.
This documentary explores the unique cosmology of the Minahasa society and their deep connection with geology entities, especially stones. For the common people, it may seem to be animism, but for the locals, it is a form of monotheism. This documentary emphasizes the importance of looking at stones not only as tools or utensils for daily life but also as a being with similar inferiority to other beings. Wa’anak Witu Watu (2021) investigates how culture, nonmodern or contemporary esoteric society, interacts with stone as a divine embodiment, philosophical utensils, gender expressions, and even sacred objects.
The manner of speech in which the director represents their ideas adds to a deeper search of their understanding regarding this belief. Through animation, the director invites us to enter a world that reflects the thoughts and viewpoints of Minahasa society. This artistic choice can be seen as an effective way to relay a more profound message and meaning whilst making it a film with distinct visuals to offer.
Through this film, we are also invited to question the future of these stones. Amidst the increasing use of synthetic materials in contemporary culture, can these stones regain their importance in human life? How can we imagine the role of stones in the very long term, perhaps thousands of years in the future?
Wa’anak Witu Watu (2023) is selected for Spektrum Festival Film Dokumenter 2023. (Tirza Kanya) (Vanis/Catharina Maida M)
Film Details
Wa’anak Witu Watu
Natasha Tontey | 24 Min | 2021 | Germany, Indonesia, The Netherlands | Color | 17+
Screening Schedule
12.06 | Auditorium IFI-LIP | 15.00 WIB
12.09 | Bioskop Sonobudoyo | 15.00 WIB
