Filmed along the West Australian coast, PORTRAIT OF A SURFER (2016) is a short documentary short film from innovative filmmaker James Cunningham, featuring local Perth surfer Kieran Leighton.
The director's approach to the film is both bold and refreshing, offering viewers a glimpse into the life of a surfer through a lens that is as artistic as it is authentic. Cunningham’s work stands out for its originality and creativity, capturing the essence of surfing and the unique lifestyle it embodies.
Cunningham playfully blurs the boundaries between performance and reality, adding layers of authenticity to the film's sometimes non-linear narrative. This creative choice allows the film to flow more like a visual poem than a traditional documentary, engaging viewers on an emotional level. Leighton, portraying himself, brings a genuine and relatable presence to the screen, making the film feel deeply personal and introspective.
The film is part of a series created for an online brand, set against the breath-taking landscape of the Western Australian coastline. PORTRAIT OF A SURFER showcases not only the remarkable talent and spirit of Leighton but also the stunning and poignant cinematography that has become a hallmark of Cunningham’s work. Each frame is meticulously composed, capturing the raw beauty of the ocean and the rugged coastline, which serves as a dramatic backdrop to Leighton's surfing prowess.
The stunning visuals, combined with a thoughtful narrative structure, elevate PORTRAIT OF A SURFER beyond a mere showcase of surfing skills. It becomes a meditative exploration of identity, passion, and the profound connection between a surfer and the sea.