Rez Ball is an upcoming American sports drama film written and directed by Sydney Freeland that will be available on streaming service Netflix. Freedland and Sterlin Harjo adapted the screenplay from The New York Times journalist Michael Powell's nonfiction sports novel Canyon Dreams. LeBron James is a producer on the project. An ensemble cast is set to feature Jessica Matten, Julia Jones, Amber Midthunder, and Kiowa Gordon.
The film is slated to premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.[1]
Synopsis
The Chuska Warriors, a Native American high school basketball team from Chuska, New Mexico, are competing for the state championship title but lose their star player.[2][3]
Cast
- Jessica Matten
- Julia Jones
- Amber Midthunder
- Kiowa Gordon
- Dallas Goldtooth
- Cody Lightning
- Ernest Tsosie
- Kauchani Bratt
- Devin Sampson-Craig
- River Rayne Thomas
- Jojo Jackson
- Avery Hale
- Hunter Redhorse Arthur
- Henry Wilson Jr
- Jaren K. Robledo
- Damian Henry Castellan
- Kusem Goodwind
- Zoey Reyes
Production
Sydney Freeland was announced as director of the project for Netflix in August 2021. Freeland and Sterlin Harjo had written the script inspired by Michael Powell's nonfiction sports novel Canyon Dreams (2019). The project was produced by Wise Entertainment with Maurício and Katie Mota involved.[4] That same month LeBron James and Maverick Carter were announced to have joined the project as producers via The SpringHill Company with Spencer Beighley and Jamal Henderson executive producers for SpringHill.[5]
Filming
In April 2023, Deadline Hollywood reported that principal photography was underway and taking place in New Mexico with filming on the Navajo Nation, with the permission and support of the local sovereign tribal nations.[6]
References
- ^ Kay, Jeremy (June 18, 2024). "Toronto film festival world premieres to include 'Nightbitch', Elton John doc, 'The Wild Robot'". Screen Daily. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
- ^ Easterling, Mike. "Film based on book about high school hoops on Navajo Nation will be shot in New Mexico". Farmington Daily Times. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ DiLillo, John (April 17, 2023). "Everything You Need to Know About 'Rez Ball'". Netflix.com. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ Jackson, Angelique (August 5, 2021). "Sydney Freeland to Direct Native American Basketball Film 'Rez Ball' for Netflix". Variety. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
- ^ Galuppo, Mia (August 5, 2021). "LeBron James to Produce Netflix Native American Basketball Feature 'Rez Ball' Sydney Freeland will direct from a script she wrote with 'Reservation Dogs' creator Sterlin Harjo". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (April 17, 2023). "Rez Ball': Netflix Sets Jessica Matten, Julia Jones, Amber Midthunder, Kiowa Gordon & More For Sydney Freeland's Native American Basketball Underdog Pic". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
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