Native American and Aboriginal media representation has exploded in the last few years, offering some captivating stories. Seeds, Aberdeen, and The Knowing were Aboriginal stories that also premiered at TIFF 2024. Rez Ball was no exception.
Rez Ball, based on a true story, depicts a memorable season for the Chuska Warriors boys’ basketball team in the scenic Navajo Nation. The film features the charismatic Nataanii Jackson (Kusem Goodwind) as the team leader, supported by Coach Hobbs (Jessica Matten), a former WNBA player turned coach.
The team is trying to end a losing streak, but Nataanii is struggling with the deaths of his mother and sister, which ultimately leads to his tragic decision to take his own life. The film picks up when Nataanii’s best friend and teammate, Jimmy Holiday (Kauchani Bratt), must step up to lead the Chuska Warriors. Jimmy is also dealing with financial struggles and his own family. Director Freeland captures the Navajo and Native American experience with a sensitive and tender lens.
Rez Ball uniquely explores the complexities of life on reservations, particularly the Navajo Nation. The film portrays the challenges of parenting teenagers, struggles with alcohol abuse, and the influence of social media on sports.
“Rez Ball uniquely explores the complexities of life on reservations, particularly the Navajo Nation.”
The cinematography impressed me, particularly the breathtaking shots of New Mexico’s blue-and-red sunset skies by cinematographer Kira Kelly. Jimmy visits a water tower spot overlooking the town of Chuska, offering a serene and visually stunning place to clear one’s mind.
The basketball matches were shot fairly standard to other recent basketball movies I have seen, such as Space Jam: A New Legacy, Uncle Drew and Hustle. Rez Ball mixed in the usual POVs behind certain players around the three-point line, some aerial shots and some wide-angle shots. But the unique shots were the fast zoom-ins when the Chuska players were moving the ball well and locked in. It was executed like the various zoom shots in Zach Snyder’s 300. This is what set this basketball film apart from the rest.
The music was great, throwing in some good rap and hip-hop music to hype up the audience and depicting the players being hyped up before the match. The score from Dan Deacon (Hustle, Venom: The Last Dance) was nothing too crazy; it was typically of most sports movie story beats. The music choices really drove the feelings of the film, from grief to celebration and victory.
The LeBron James-produced film Rez Ball pays great homage to young Native American kids who didn’t have the opportunity to showcase their skills. This is also an important piece of media for the representation of future Native American children, showing them they too can be stars.
The movie is not only a unique portrayal of life for Indigenous people living on the ‘rez,’ but also highlights the hardships and challenges they face. In the end, this is one of the most significant sports dramas I’ve seen, making a meaningful impact for many young Indigenous people.
Check out more of CGMagazine’s TIFF 2024 coverage here throughout the festival.
