Rez Ball: Elevating Indigenous Talent and Celebrating the Power of Community Basketball

Get ready to be immersed in the captivating world of reservation basketball, where Indigenous teens channel their inner LeBron James and showcase their exceptional skills on the court. Directed by Sydney Freeland, "Rez Ball" is an electrifying and emotionally charged sports drama that takes audiences on a journey through the lives of the Chuska Warriors, a real-life high school basketball team. The film's producers, including NBA superstar LeBron James, have crafted a cinematic experience that shines a light on an often-overlooked sports landscape, offering a unique and inspiring perspective.

Elevating Indigenous Talent and Celebrating the Power of Community Basketball

Casting the Chuska Warriors: A Rigorous Search for Authentic Talent

The filmmakers behind "Rez Ball" understood the importance of authenticity in their casting process. Director Sydney Freeland emphasized the need for actors who could not only deliver compelling performances but also possess the basketball skills to convincingly portray their characters on the court. The production team conducted a nationwide casting call, receiving over 5,000 submissions from aspiring actors. Each candidate had to demonstrate their acting chops through line readings and chemistry tests, as well as their basketball prowess by showcasing their free throw, layup, and three-point shooting abilities.From this massive pool of talent, the filmmakers narrowed down the selection to a top 32 finalists, who were flown to Albuquerque for a Rez Ball invitational. Here, the actors underwent a grueling day of both acting and basketball challenges, with Freeland and her team carefully evaluating their skills and chemistry. By the end of the day, the 10 actors who would bring the Chuska Warriors to life were selected, many of whom were first-time performers.

Embracing the Diversity of Indigenous Talent

The cast of "Rez Ball" is a testament to the wealth of Indigenous talent across North America. The actors hail from a diverse array of tribal affiliations, including the Quechua, Coahuiltecan, Red River Cree Métis, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Assiniboine-Sioux, Plains Cree, Navajo, San Carlos Apache, San Felipe Pueblo, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Puyallup. This rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds not only adds authenticity to the film but also celebrates the vibrant and varied Indigenous communities that have long been underrepresented in mainstream media.

Bringing the Chuska Warriors to Life: Introducing the Cast

The Chuska Warriors, the central focus of "Rez Ball," are brought to life by a talented ensemble of young actors. Kauchani Bratt portrays Jimmy Holiday, a high school senior and basketball player who must navigate the challenges of supporting his single mother while also dealing with a devastating personal loss. Jessica Matten plays Heather Hobbs, the Chuska High basketball coach and a former professional player herself, who strives to guide the team through their darkest hour.Devin Sampson-Craig takes on the role of Bryson Badonie, the team's point guard with a big personality and even bigger basketball skills, while Amber Midthunder brings to life Dezbah Weaver, Bryson's girlfriend and a star player on the Chuska girls' team. River Rayne Thomas and Jojo Jackson portray the Yazzie brothers, Tyson and Warlance, the center and power forward, respectively, each with their own unique strengths and personalities.Rounding out the Chuska Warriors are Avery Hale as the social media-savvy reserve player Miles Martinez, Hunter Redhorse Arthur as the basketball-loving Kobe Nez, Henry Wilson Jr. as the speedy freshman Leland Tom, Jaren K. Robledo as the free throw specialist Levi Silversmith, and Damian "LuvSmokeyy" Castellane as the team's defensive anchor, Ruckus Largo. Kusem Goodwind portrays Nataanii Jackson, the team's star player and Jimmy's best friend, who struggles with his own personal demons.

Honoring the Legacy of Rez Ball: The Guidance of Veteran Actors

While the majority of the "Rez Ball" cast are newcomers to the film industry, the production also features the expertise of seasoned actors. Ernest David Tsosie, a comedian known for his work in Freeland's previous film "Drunktown's Finest," takes on the role of Benny Begay, the former Rez Ball coach who helps guide Heather Hobbs and the Chuska Warriors through their journey.The inclusion of veteran performers like Tsosie not only lends additional depth and authenticity to the film but also serves as a testament to the rich legacy of Indigenous storytelling in the entertainment industry. By blending the fresh faces of the Chuska Warriors with the guidance of experienced actors, "Rez Ball" seamlessly weaves together the past, present, and future of Indigenous representation on the silver screen.