Czech-based Vít Hašek’s year travelling in Indonesia inspired the photographer and filmmaker to document the country’s fervent motorbike culture. One of the results is today’s film, Roda-Roda Gila (Wall of Death), which follows the fearless stunt riders who take on the seven-meter deep, barrel-like wooden construction. Below, Hašek deconstructs the Southeast Asian thrill ride.

“Riders accelerate until centrifugal force allows them to ride horizontally. A top speed of 50km/h sends them spinning round the top of the barrel. As if it wasn’t risky enough, a third rider joins the foray – a cyclist on a fixie [fixed-gear bike]. Riders told me it takes usually about one month to gain the required skill and confidence. After another two to three months they’re able to synchronize with others and smooth things up so they are ready for the show. 

“The Indonesian archipelago is teeming with over 70 million motorcycles. This night spectacle seen in the film is part of an annual fun fair and night market called Sekaten, held in the Yogyakarta city, to mark the beginning of Javanese New Year and the birth of the prophet Muhammad. 

"I had no idea how incredibly loud those bikes are. Plus, the acrid smoke out of their two-stroke engines immediately filled the barrel and the spectator viewing area. The next time, I was smarter and brought ear plugs and a wet scarf to breathe through."