2020

Whilst the annual Sculptures by the Sea was cancelled due the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, a larger-than-life sized statue of Borat Sagdiyev made an appearance at Marks Park, in South Bondi. The sculpture was on loan for 24 hours only. The creative team at Rizer created, built and flew the 6-metre statue by military helicopter across Sydney Harbour, landing it at Marks Park on Thursday 22 October 2020.

The massive silver looking sculpture was a temporary “gift” to Australia from everyone’s favourite Kazakhstani reporter and depicted a reclining Borat clad only in an American flag. The stunt was a first of its kind and was witnessed by media, locals and tourists alike to promote the global release of the ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’ on Amazon Prime Video. The movie was launched on Friday 23 October 2020, with fans of the original 2006 film waiting with bated breath to see what Borat was up to next. Due to international travel restrictions, Borat appeared via live stream on a giant screen from Kazakhstan, 14 years after he last donned his infamous fluorescent mankini on Bondi Beach, addressing the awaiting media: "It give me great pleasure to present you with this giant Borat erection at Bondi Beach," said Baron Cohen in character as Borat. "This statue was quarantine in a hotel in Melbourne for 14 days. It is free of COVID but probably have syphilis after four of your security guards make sexy-time with it.” In celebration of the promotion, 45 mask wearing Borat lookalikes took to Bondi Beach to engage in beach activities: working out at the Bondi outdoor gym, surfing and skateboarding plus a socially distanced mankini yoga class on the sand and Segway riding up and down the promenade.

Bondi Beach was transformed into “Borat Beach” for one unforgettable and very memorable day. Very nice!