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 model and 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.