Rez Ball Is About Much More Than Just Basketball

“Rez ball” — short for “reservation ball” — is more than just a network of youth basketball teams; it’s a soulful approach to the game, deeply rooted in Native American traditions. This unique style will be showcased in Netflix’s upcoming movie, Rez Ball, which will be available on the streaming platform on September 27, following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

“It’s the Native American style of playing basketball,” said Kauchani Bratt, who plays the role of Jimmy Holliday in Rez Ball. “It’s our own thing — it’s fast, quick, spontaneous. It’s about being fearless and trusting your instincts.”

Bratt also emphasized that Rez ball goes beyond the court. “It’s also about giving people a reason to come together and have hope,” he added.

The film is directed by Sydney Freeland, produced by LeBron James, and based on Michael Powell’s New York Times series and book, ‘Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation.’ In the story, Bratt’s character, Jimmy Holliday, leads the Chuska Warriors, a high school team from New Mexico, through various challenges to reach the most significant tournament of their lives.

“It’s a classic underdog story,” Bratt explained. “But what’s unique is the perspective from which it’s told. There’s never been a story like this, told from a Native viewpoint. This will open up worlds to people who have never seen themselves on screen before, or seen their culture represented authentically.”

Bratt’s journey to the film was as spontaneous as a Rez ball play. With no previous acting credits, Bratt, a philosophy major from San Francisco with Quechua and Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation heritage via his parents, stumbled upon the opportunity. “One day I’m on Instagram, and I see an open casting call produced by LeBron James. I thought, ‘This sounds like me!’”

Just days before, acting had crossed his mind for the first time. “I’m like, ‘Yo, this has to be a sign. I gotta just go do it. If not now, when?’ It was like a one-in-a-million opportunity that fell from the sky,” he said.

While Bratt lacked acting experience, he was no stranger to the world of Rez ball. Before playing varsity basketball, Rez ball kindled his love for the sport. As a middle schooler, he played for the Red Storm in Sacramento and competed at reservations nationwide, even winning a silver medal at the 2019 NABI tournament. “That was a full-circle moment,” he reflected.

A successful film, like a successful basketball team, requires a collective effort. This sense of community was evident both on and off the set of Rez Ball. “I have to give credit to Sydney Freeland,” Bratt noted. “She created an environment full of love. You could feel the significance of what we were doing. When I read the script, I knew I wanted to be a part of it, even if it was just as a background character.”

Before filming began, the cast underwent a basketball camp, which helped them form a bond. “By the time we got on set, we had already become the Chuska Warriors,” Bratt concluded.

Rez Ball will make its debut on Netflix on September 27.

Rez Ball will be released on Netflix on September 27.

Source: ClutchPoints