How We Roll is a US documentary short directed by Anthony Ciancio, made as a student project at DePaul University. The film explores the revival of an ancient game, bocce, rediscovered by a local community as a means of socialising and recreation.
At the heart of the story is the Elmwood Park Bocce League, a group of enthusiasts who have transformed a traditional pastime into a social phenomenon able to unite different generations and cultures. Through interviews and footage of games and training, the film shows how this sport, often seen as marginal, can become a powerful tool for cohesion, friendship and a sense of belonging.
The league members’ appearance as themselves lends authenticity to the narrative, capturing the spontaneity of their gestures and the enthusiasm that enlivens every match. The documentary highlights the value of the sporting community and the importance of keeping traditions alive as a form of collective identity and personal well-being.
Produced with a budget of 8,000 dollars and filmed in the United States in digital 16:9 colour, How We Roll was completed on 29 July 2025. Although a student project, the film demonstrates mature direction and close attention to sport’s human dimension.
Film Information
Title: How We Roll
Original title: How We Roll
Director: Anthony Ciancio
Production: Anthony Ciancio / DePaul University
Country: United States
Language: English
Running time: 15 minutes and 46 seconds
Genre: Documentary, short film
Sport featured: Bocce
Protagonists: Members of the Elmwood Park Bocce League
Completion date: 29 July 2025
Premiere: [Not specified]
Distributor: [Not specified]
Shooting format: Digital, 16:9, colour
Director’s first film: No
Student project: Yes – DePaul University