This month, we’re celebrating the unique ways bocce has found its place across various communities, thanks in part to its increasing presence on social media and the silver screen.
Did you know that bocce made its cinematic debut as early as 1896? The short film titled Partie de Boules, directed by Louis Jean Lumière, was one of the first to feature the game.
Fast forward to the 1970s, bocce received a boost in popularity through the ‘Life Be In It’ commercials and advertisements. Since then, bocce has appeared in numerous Australian TV shows and films, including recent hit TV series like The Block, MKR, and several local movies where the game subtly enriches the background.
This growing social media exposure is sparking a global surge in interest, particularly in the USA and throughout the Asia-Oceania region.
Countries from the Middle East, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, to India, Pakistan, China, Malaysia, and Japan, are witnessing a bocce renaissance. Especially the Middle East power nations as they explore the next wave of tourism attractions to entice people to visit, and what better way than to use sport. And bocce is at the forefront.
One recent film shining a spotlight on bocce is Team Marco. This heartwarming movie follows young Marco, a video game enthusiast who, after his grandfather moves in, discovers the joys of playing bocce. Through this age-old game, Marco learns to connect with his grandfather and the neighborhood’s seasoned players, finding a new sense of community and fun.
Additionally, the Apple TV series Black Bird, starring Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser, features a memorable bocce scene in a prison setting. Inspired by true events, the series integrates bocce into its narrative, adding a unique touch to its storyline.
Bocce’s journey from its early cinematic moments to its contemporary role in films and TV is a testament to the game’s timeless appeal and its ability to bring people together across generations and cultures. As bocce continues to capture imaginations around the world, we look forward to seeing how it will inspire and connect even more communities in the future.
Written By Frank Funari.