Rez Ball is a sports drama based on the book Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation. It’s about a Native American high school basketball team called the Chuska Warriors. The team faces a big challenge after they lose one of their star players, Nataanii Jackson, but they work hard to stay strong and prove they are still champions.
The movie was directed by Sydney Freeland, a Native American filmmaker, and co-written with Sterlin Harjo. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024, and is now available on Netflix since September 27, 2024.
Where was Rez Ball filmed?
The film’s setting, the fictional town of Chuska, was inspired by real-life communities on the Navajo reservation.
Most of Rez Ball was filmed in New Mexico, especially in the Navajo Nation, a Native American reservation. The filmmakers wanted to show the real Native American culture, so they worked with many people from New Mexico to help make the movie.
Here are some of the main places where Rez Ball was filmed:
Shiprock, New Mexico
Shiprock is a very important place in the Navajo Nation. It’s named after a big rock formation that is important in Navajo culture. The movie filmed here to show the true heart of Navajo land.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is one of the biggest cities in New Mexico. It has many cool things like the University of New Mexico and big events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The movie shot some scenes here, showing parts of the city’s culture.
Los Lunas, New Mexico
Los Lunas is a small village with a long history. It was founded in the early 1700s and became an important place in New Mexico. Some of the Rez Ball scenes were filmed here.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is the capital city of New Mexico and is known for its art and history. It’s the oldest state capital in the U.S. and has many galleries and museums. The beautiful scenery of Santa Fe was used for some scenes in the movie.
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Rio Rancho is another big city in New Mexico. It used to be a large ranch area but has grown into a busy suburb of Albuquerque. Parts of Rez Ball were shot here as well.
Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation was one of the most important places for filming Rez Ball. This is the largest Native American reservation in the U.S., and the movie wanted to capture its spirit and basketball culture. The community even got to see a special screening of the movie before it was released!
When did the filming of Rez Ball take place?
Filming for Rez Ball started in 2023. The movie worked with over 3,000 people from New Mexico, including crew members and background actors.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q: Where was Rez Ball filmed?
A: Rez Ball was filmed in New Mexico, including Shiprock, Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, and the Navajo Nation.
Q: When was Rez Ball filmed?
A: The movie was filmed in 2023.
Q: What is the release date of Rez Ball?
A: Rez Ball premiered on September 8, 2024, and was available on Netflix on September 27, 2024.
Q: Who is in the cast of Rez Ball?
A: The movie features a talented cast, but it focuses mostly on the story of a Native American high school basketball team, the Chuska Warriors.
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