Rez Ball is a 2024 American sports drama film directed by Sydney Freeland. The story is based on the nonfiction sports novel Canyon Dreams by The New York Times journalist Michael Powell. The screenplay was co-written by Sydney Freeland and Sterlin Harjo, and the film features an ensemble cast including Jessica Matten, Julia Jones, Amber Midthunder, and Kiowa Gordon. LeBron James is one of the producers of this film.
Rez Ball follows the journey of The Chuska Warriors, a Native American high school basketball team from Chuska, New Mexico. The team is competing for the state championship title but faces a big challenge when they lose their star player. The story is about their struggle, teamwork, and determination to win.
Where was “Rez Ball” filmed?
The movie Rez Ball was mainly filmed in the USA, specifically in New Mexico. The filming began in 2023, with the principal photography taking place in various locations across New Mexico. The filmmakers received permission and support from the local sovereign tribal nations to film on the Navajo Nation land.
Belen, New Mexico
One of the key filming locations for Rez Ball was Belen, a city in New Mexico. Belen was chosen for its beautiful landscapes and unique suburban atmosphere, which provided the perfect backdrop for many important scenes in the movie.
Belen is known as the “Hub City” because it became an important railroad center in 1907. It is the second most populated city in Valencia County, with a population of around 7,414 as per the 2022 Census. The city offers a mix of suburban and rural experiences, making it an ideal filming location. Movies like Logan (2017), When You Finish Saving the World, and The Marksman were filmed in New Mexico.
Filming in Local High Schools and Stadiums
Apart from shooting in Belen, the production team also used local high school facilities and stadiums for filming. These locations were crucial in capturing the essence of the high school basketball team and their journey in the film.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Rez Ball
Q: Where was Rez Ball filmed?
A: Rez Ball was primarily filmed in New Mexico, USA. Key locations included the city of Belen and the Navajo Nation, where the filmmakers received permission and support from the local sovereign tribal nations.
Q: When was Rez Ball filmed?
A: The principal photography for Rez Ball took place in 2023. Filming began in April 2023, with various scenes shot across New Mexico.
Q: When is the release date of Rez Ball?
A: Rez Ball is scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024. It will be released on Netflix on September 27, 2024.
Q: Who are the main cast members of Rez Ball?
A: The film features an ensemble cast including Jessica Matten, Julia Jones, Amber Midthunder, and Kiowa Gordon.
Q: What is Rez Ball about?
A: Rez Ball follows the story of The Chuska Warriors, a Native American high school basketball team from Chuska, New Mexico, as they compete for the state championship title after losing their star player. The film explores themes of teamwork, resilience, and determination.
