Perth-based filmmaker and photographer Harry Cunningham made his mark with The World’s Longest City, a 2025 documentary examining Perth’s vast suburban sprawl and its social and environmental impact. Spanning more than 150 kilometres from Mandurah to Two Rocks, the film captured a city stretching to its limits, both geographically and culturally.
Following the success of that project, Cunningham has turned his attention to a subject that emerged naturally from his work: cycling. What began as a filmmaker’s curiosity about car dependency and urban design has evolved into a personal exploration of how Perth moves. Through its riders, bike paths, and roadside tensions, Cunningham is uncovering another layer of the city’s identity, one that reflects both its challenges and its changing rhythm.
In conversation, he discusses how cycling became part of his creative life, what makes Perth’s cycling culture unique, and how his next documentary might take shape on two wheels.
Is it a coincidence that you’ve become a cyclist after your documentary on urban sprawl?
Haha for sure- I’m not sure I’d define myself strictly as a cyclist, but cycling has definitely become a new passion for me since making the documentary. A couple of things sparked it: when I was filming for The World’s Longest City, I spoke to Nigel Satterley of Satterley Property Group (Australia’s largest private land developer who is featured in the film) about Perth’s car dependency, and he told me to “get on my bike.” Haha and that stuck with me.
Then, at my photography exhibition, a visitor who was really into cycling told me that Perth actually has some of the best cycling networks in the world. While Perth is so spread out that it can be challenging, I try to ride as much as I can now, we have beautiful bike paths along the river and coastline and honestly,now I prefer it to driving.
What’s captured your interest about Perth’s Cycling Culture?
While exploring the city for my film and photography series, I wanted to show Perth beyond the postcards—to capture its real, contemporary culture. For me, the cycling scene is a fascinating part of that.
It’s incredibly diverse: there are older riders who take bike safety seriously, wearing high-visibility gear and calling out “BIKE!!” instead of using bells; people like me who enjoy old-school vintage bikes; serious cyclists decked out in top-of-the-line gear and large sports sunglasses; and then there are the rougher-looking riders—the ones you might raise an eyebrow at—often helmetless and perched on mismatched mountain bikes that have seen better days.
Still, every one of them contributes in their own way, proving that any bike is a win for reducing car dependency. This mix gives Perth’s cycling scene a distinctive energy and character.
Do you think it’s uniquely Perth because of that?
Absolutely. Perth is the longest city in the world- over 150km South to North, so our cycling networks are stretched out. You really need to prepare and plan for long rides and check forecasts. And because we’re so car-dominated, you often have to ride close to the road.
Drivers aren’t used to sharing space with cyclists, which can make it dangerous—I’ve had my fair share of close calls, especially with big four-wheel drives. The combination of long distances, car dominance, and the prevalence of larger vehicles makes riding in Perth a unique experience that really tests your planning and endurance.
What about those cyclists who bike around the Pilbara, or even the country, do you see yourself becoming one?
Haha – next week I’m heading up to the Pilbara to film my next project. I’m not taking my bike this time, but I’ll definitely be observing the local cycling culture.
Is there a documentary subject somewhere in it for you?
Yeah definitely. I’ve been thinking about doing a documentary on Perth cyclists—a full exploration of the culture, the challenges, and the diversity of riders in the city. It’s something I want to do eventually, and I think there’s a lot of rich storytelling there.
What’s been inspiring you lately, other documentaries or something else?
Lately, I’ve been diving deep into my media brand, Digital Creators, where I spotlight local creatives and their work. I’m planning more articles, interviews with international artists, and features on global design trends.
I love exploring all kinds of creative mediums—fashion, film, photography, painting—anything that sparks imagination. Soon, I’m taking that curiosity to Tokyo on a working holiday visa, aiming to work as a photography assistant while shooting my own projects so I’ve been practicing Japanese language weekly.
Do you have like a dream project? If you had unlimited budget?
Honestly, my dream is to live off my creativity- to make films and projects I’m truly passionate about, especially on powerful topics I deeply believe in. Being able to sustain myself purely through creative work, to travel freely, connect with the culture of different places, and shoot and publish meaningful projects without financial constraints, would be the ultimate freedom.
Thanks for the interview, excited to see what you make next.
Thanks so much for the interview. I really appreciate your support for local creatives.