Rez Ball Director & Cast Explains Why They Refused to Have a “White Savior” Save the Team
8Arriving on Netflix tomorrow, Rez Ball is a significant contemporary piece that is set in the beautiful Navajo Nation and pays tribute to the Native community. Helmed by Sydney Freeland, Rez Ball follows a down-on-their-luck basketball team, fronted by Kusem Goodwind's Nataanii Jackson, as they re-invent their entire approach to the game in hopes of a win. By integrating the Native language and drawing on their culture, the team develops a unique twist on their playing style and dubs it "Rez Ball."
Director Freeland talks about her approach to building this community and team during the Toronto International Film Festival 2024 as she sits with Collider's Steve Weintraub. They are also joined by cast members Kauchani Bratt, Jessica Matten, Julia Jones and Devin Sampson-Craig, who all talk about what drew them to this script and admire how it has inspired the Native population and youth. Matten also teases her involvement in Aang: The Last Airbender, where she is cast as Katara and wishes to do the character justice.
#RezBall #SydneyFreeland #JessicaMatten
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