Goong: Sound Through Fire

Documentary | 2023 | Col | 34m

Summary

Sukoharjo in Central Java is one of the few remaining centres of bronze gong forging in Indonesia. 'Goong: sound through fire' follows the creation of a large Sundanese gong (goong) in Sutarno's forge in Jatiteken, Sukoharjo. The film takes an immersive, multi-sensory approach to the process, guided by the occasional interjections of Sutarno. The rich, multi-layered soundscape of the forge and the ever-shifting colours and intensities of the fire accompany the smashing and melting of the copper and tin; the rhythmic hammering, shaping and firing of the emerging, red-hot bronze disc by a team of craftsmen; the voicing of the forged instrument; and finally the sounding of the goong by the master gong-maker.

Director: Maria Mendonça
Type: Documentary
Year of completion: 2023
Country of origin: United States

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