Rez Ball: A Deep Dive into Netflix’s New Sports Drama
“Rez Ball,” a new Netflix sports drama directed by Sydney Freeland, premieres at TIFF in September 2024 and on Netflix globally on September 27th. Discover the story of the Chuska Warriors and the unique world of Reservation Basketball.
Discover Netflix’s upcoming sports drama “Rez Ball,” directed by Sydney Freeland, debuting at TIFF in September 2024 and streaming globally on Netflix from September 27th. Learn about the Chuska Warriors, the culture of Reservation Basketball, and the film’s unique cast and production journey.
Netflix Unveils ‘Rez Ball’: A New Chapter in Sports Dramas
Netflix is gearing up to release “Rez Ball,” an anticipated sports drama directed by Sydney Freeland. Based on a screenplay co-written with Sterlin Harjo, the film draws inspiration from Michael Powell’s critically acclaimed nonfiction sports novel, “Canyon Dreams.” As the excitement builds, here’s everything you need to know about this unique film, including its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2024 and its Netflix release on September 27th.
The Genesis of ‘Rez Ball’
Announced in August 2021, “Rez Ball” quickly became one of Netflix’s most intriguing projects. Produced by Maurício and Katie Mota’s Wise Entertainment and LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s The SpringHill Company, the film promises an authentic depiction of Native American culture through the lens of sports. Executive producers Spencer Beighley and Jamal Henderson of The SpringHill Company have also been instrumental in bringing this story to the screen.
Sydney Freeland, known for her work on “Drunktown’s Finest” and the short film “Hoverboard,” is at the helm of this project. Speaking to Native Viewpoint, Freeland emphasized the film’s significance: “This is an incredibly important film for all of us. We wanted to tell a story from the inside out, showcasing life on reservations, the Indigenous experience, and Native Americans from a perspective rarely seen.”
What ‘Rez Ball’ Brings to the Court
“Rez Ball” tells the story of the Chuska Warriors, a talented but imperfect high school basketball team from Chuska, New Mexico, as they pursue their dream of winning the state championship. However, when they lose their star players, the team must come together to keep their dream alive.
Rez Ball, or Reservation Basketball, is a unique variation of the sport predominantly played by Native American teams in regions like Arizona and New Mexico. Known for its fast-paced, aggressive style, Rez Ball is characterized by quick scoring, forceful turnovers, and a high-energy defense. This style of play has deeply influenced some of the top teams and coaches in the NBA.
For more on Rez Ball’s cultural impact, Michael Powell’s 2015 New York Times article provides an excellent background. Netflix also offers a documentary series called “Basketball or Nothing,” which delves into the sport in its first episode.
A Star-Studded Cast and Fresh Faces
In April 2023, Netflix revealed the initial cast of “Rez Ball,” featuring both seasoned actors and newcomers. The cast includes:
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Jessica Matten (Dark Winds, Tribal, Frontier)
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Julia Jones (The Mandalorian)
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Amber Midthunder (Prey)
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Kiowa Gordon
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Dallas Goldtooth (Reservation Dogs, Fall Out)
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Cody Lightning
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Ernest Tsosie
Newcomers making their debut include Kauchani Bratt, Devin Sampson-Craig, River Rayne Thomas, Jojo Jackson, Avery Hale, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Henry Wilson Jr, Jaren K. Robledo, Damian Henry Castellane, Kusem Goodwind, and Zoey Reyes.
Behind the Scenes: Filming and Production
Filming for “Rez Ball” took place in New Mexico, with the support of local sovereign tribal nations, from April 10th, 2023, to May 19th, 2023. Originally slated to begin in January 2023, the production faced several delays but finally wrapped up in mid-May.
Sydney Freeland expressed her enthusiasm about the project: “Basketball on the Rez is like high school football in West Texas. It has a devoted fan base that few other sports can match. Working with Sterlin Harjo has been incredible, bringing so much insight, humor, and heart to this story. We aim to bring people into our world and tell an authentic story about our people and places.”
When and Where to Watch ‘Rez Ball’
“Rez Ball” will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) from September 5th to September 15th, 2024. Following its festival debut, the film will be available globally on Netflix starting September 27th, 2024. With a runtime of 111 minutes, this movie promises to be a compelling addition to Netflix’s lineup of sports dramas.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information about the film “Rez Ball” and is intended for informational purposes only. Release dates and other details might change.)
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