CHUSKA, N.M. – A new Netflix movie called “Rez Ball” is coming out on Sep. 27. The movie was written by Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Mvskoke) and Sydney Freeland (Navajo) and was produced by NBA Basketball Player LeBron James. This Native American-directed film is based on a high school basketball team that tragically loses their star player after his sudden passing. Now it is up to them to go on their own and win the championship in spite of the hardship of losing their beloved teammate.
This movie is inspired by a Native American book called “Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Reservation” by Michael Powell. This movie is based on a team called the “Chuska Warriors” from Chuska, New Mexico. According to Freeland, she wanted to show a side from the reservation based on where she grew up. Those she grew up with affectionately referred to the sport as “rez ball”.
The film’s underdog protagonists will not only learn how to cope with a sudden loss, they will also learn how to work together as a team to win their tournament without their star player. The film will exhibit Native American cultural traditions like smudging and speaking in their traditional language.
Indigenous and non Indigenous audiences will be able to stream “Rez Ball” exclusively on Netflix on Sept. 27. The film recently made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month.
