Bela Bajaria Chief Content Officer at Netflix | Official website
Netflix is celebrating the release of "Rez Ball," a film that highlights the passion for basketball and the resilience of the Native American community. Produced by LeBron James and based on an award-winning book, the movie follows a high school basketball team rooted in Native American culture as they strive to keep their state championship dreams alive after losing their star player.
Filmed on Navajo Nation with a predominantly Native cast and crew, including director and co-writer Sydney Freeland, the story portrays how basketball unites Native youth and their communities across the country. Leading up to its September 27 release, Netflix hosted screenings that brought together emerging industry talent, athletes, community leaders, and policymakers.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 19, Netflix collaborated with the New Mexico Film Office for a special screening attended by local cast members, crew, and policymakers. The event included remarks from representatives of the New Mexico Film Office and Freeland. Key federal, state, and tribal leaders also attended to support Native storytelling.
Mark Roper from the New Mexico Economic Development Department stated: “We are proud that numerous cast and crew members from New Mexico contributed to bringing this story to the screen. Rez Ball evoked laughter and tears, providing thoroughly entertaining content.”
On September 20 at Arizona State University’s MIX Center in Mesa, local and tribal leaders joined community members and athletes from ASU’s women’s basketball team for an early viewing of "Rez Ball." Remarks were made by ASU Vice President Jacob Moore and head coach Natasha Adair about community resilience — themes echoed in the film.
In Los Angeles on September 24, Netflix hosted a screening for emerging artists supported by various programs under its Fund for Creative Equity. The event featured filmmakers from Women in Film ReFrame Rise among others. It also served as a homecoming for Freeland who is an alumna of ReFrame Rise.
Kirsten Schaffer of WIF commented: “Netflix’s partnership with ReFrame Rise has allowed WIF to support mid-career directors and DP’s as they make the next leap. During Sydney’s time in the program...she began development for Rez Ball — a sophisticated crowd-pleasing award-worthy film that we are so excited for audiences to see.”
The Los Angeles screening included a Q&A session with Freeland discussing her journey through artist development programs. She said: “Where these programs have been valuable is in the community they create...I’ve found it through these programs.”
Finally on September 26 at Window Rock Theatre in Navajo Nation's capital city Window Rock Arizona there was another special screening welcomed by Navajo President Buu Nygren who shared his own experiences growing up where basketball is more than just sport — it’s way life.
