Ben Stockley photographs Parisian basketball players in his latest personal project “Le Cercle”.

In the dense urban landscape of Paris lies a splash of vibrant colour and energy known as the Pigalle Duperré court. Ben Stockley’s film, “Le Cercle,” aims to document the soul of this space. Ben wanted to move beyond the aesthetic and explore the human element—the “circle” of players who have grown up here.

What was once a simple parking garage has evolved into a cultural landmark, a testament to community spirit. The film uses a combination of energetic, fast-paced basketball sequences and intimate, sun-drenched portraits to convey the dual nature of the court: a place of fierce competition where “we play really hard,” and a sanctuary built on “respect, friendship, motivation, family, and enjoy playing.” It’s an ode to the culture of street ball and the communities that form around it.