In our fast-paced world, where movement is often measured in miles per hour, there’s a certain poetry to slowing down, focusing, and letting the smallest actions carry the weight of connection. It’s a lesson not actively sought but quietly revealed through experience—one we too often overlook in the rush of daily life. This spirit is at the heart of pétanque, the quintessential French game that blends precision, camaraderie, and tradition into a graceful dance of motion and stillness. The latest chapter in Reebok and Highsnobiety’s Stories of Movement series, The Throw/Le Lancer, crafted by the talented team at Las Favoritas, captures pétanque in all its poetic glory.
Set in Marseille, Le Lancer is not just a love letter to the sport—it’s an ode to a way of life. Pétanque thrives on its simplicity: sun-drenched afternoons, friends, family, and the unspoken rhythm of the game. But beneath its leisurely pace lies a rich cultural tapestry, where generations come together, techniques become expressions, and the game’s deliberate motions mirror the timeless bonds it fosters. Through the eyes of its players and the lens of its filmmakers, Le Lancer brings the vibrant world of pétanque to life, celebrating movement in its most grounded, human form.
What does the perfect summer day playing pétanque look like to you? How would you describe the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the setting that make it feel so alive and immersive?
Our filmmaking approach is to immerse ourselves in the lives of real, passionate people by observing their reality and visually transcribe that through aesthetics. That’s why this project made sense to us right away. We settled in Marseille for a month and hung out on the pétanque grounds to observe, discuss, and hang out with the players. Most were quite surprised to see us chilling on the bench for hours, but there was so much to take in that we could’ve stayed all day long.
From our observations, a perfect day playing pétanque is very simple: sun, friends, family, music, drinks, and food. It's an environment with a strong cultural identity. Even though it's a simple activity, there’s a serious vibe at play. Everyone of every age is out. People are laughing, others are arguing over who got the point, and before you know it, the sun is already going down. And there are spots to play everywhere, from the heart of town, next to the sea and up in the mountains. No matter who or where you are, pétanque is one of the best reasons to spend time together.
What makes the sport so cinematic? What is it about the culture that surrounds that sport that cultivates such strong feelings of nostalgia and community? Where does pétanque feel most alive to you? What visual elements make the game “come alive” in these settings when shot for film?
Pétanque is very visual. The metal balls clicking against the ground and one another for one, but also players and spectators interacting. People from the south of France are very expressive in their gestures, their pace, and their tone of voice—making scenes from everyday life very entertaining. When it comes to the game, the rules are very simple but require some basic techniques such as shooting, throwing, and rotating. Every player has their own moves. It’s its own way of self-expression.
What first drew you to pétanque as a subject?
We’ve always felt inspired by Marseille. It’s a sunny city with a strong identity, shaped by the energy and vibe of its people and places. Though we live in Paris, we often come here to shoot or recharge and brainstorm new ideas. Pétanque is woven into daily life for nearly everyone, making it an obvious choice for us to explore.
How does pétanque foster a sense of community in a way that other sports or activities might not? What makes the environment special?
This film is about pétanque, yes, but more than that, it’s about community—a heartwarming snapshot of the south of France's way of life, filled with simple pleasures, togetherness, and slow living. For some, pétanque is just a pastime; for others, it’s a daily ritual. It’s deeply rooted in Marseillais culture, where people of all generations gather on the field any day, any time. We wanted to capture an intergenerational group coming together for a casual afternoon, showing how the pétanque field becomes a crossroads for connection and shared moments.
Many sports are competitive, but pétanque is also deeply social and often bridges generations. How does the game balance camaraderie with competition, and what makes it uniquely capable of bringing people of all ages together?
While many sports focus on competition, pétanque strikes a unique balance between camaraderie and rivalry. For some, it’s serious business; for others, it’s simply a way to enjoy time with friends. This duality is reflected in its timeless appeal and accessibility—its simple rules make it a game for everyone, from beginners to seasoned players, without requiring special physical abilities. Pétanque fosters intergenerational connections, offering space for shared stories, laughter, playful arguments, and mentorship from elders. To capture this dynamic, we contrasted documentary-style scenes of natural interactions with intense, dynamic shots of the game itself. Filming pétanque with the energy of an extreme sport emphasized both the social bonds it creates and the competitive spirit that comes alive on the field.
The game has a beautiful, deliberate pace. How would you describe the movement and technique required to throw well—does it feel like an art, a science, or something in between?
Everyone can develop their own technique. Some players have a very choreographic way of throwing, while others rush in the movement, knowing precisely where to throw to hit another ball. There are no rules for how to throw, everyone has full freedom of expression.
How do the weight of the ball, your strength, and the moment of release come together?
Many factors influence the perfect shot: the quality of the ball, the field’s surface, the wind, and even the people you’re playing with and the mood they create. Being aware of your surroundings is essential to read the environment and adapt your play. Pétanque can also feel meditative, with movement deeply connected to and shaped by the natural setting.
How has your relationship with pétanque evolved over time, and what does the game mean to you beyond its traditions?
To be honest, we're not the most experienced pétanque players—just occasional ones. For us, it’s less about mastery and more about using the game as an excuse to reconnect with friends in Marseille.
Read our other Reebok Presents stories from Morocco and Greece.
