Celebrating the Power of Representation at ‘Rez Ball’ Screenings Across the US

Netflix is thrilled to celebrate the release of Rez Ball, a film that captures the passion of basketball and the resilience of the Native American community. Produced by LeBron James and based on the award-winning book of the same name, the film centers on a high school basketball team rooted in Native American culture that must unite to keep their state championship dreams alive after losing their star player. 

Filmed on Navajo Nation and featuring a predominantly Native cast and crew, including director and co-writer Sydney Freeland, the story showcases the real phenomenon of how this beloved game unites Native youth and their communities across the country. In the lead-up to the film’s September 27 release, we hosted a series of screenings that brought together emerging industry talent, athletes, community leaders, and policymakers to honor this powerful story.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

The screenings kicked off on September 19 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Netflix teamed up with the New Mexico Film Office to host a special screening for local cast, crew, and policymakers. The event began with remarks from representatives of the New Mexico Film Office and Freeland. Key federal, state, and tribal leaders attended to support the showcase of Native storytelling and filmmaking rooted in New Mexico.

“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.” - Mark Roper, Division Director, New Mexico Economic Development Dept

Mesa, Arizona

The next stop was Arizona State University’s MIX Center in Mesa on September 20, where local and tribal leaders, community members, and athletes from the ASU women’s basketball team gathered for an early look at Rez Ball. The event featured remarks from Arizona State University Vice President Jacob Moore and head coach Natasha Adair, highlighting the importance of community and resilience — themes echoed throughout the film.

Los Angeles, California  

On September 24, we hosted a special screening in Los Angeles for emerging artists. The event brought together filmmakers from a variety of programs supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, including the Women in Film ReFrame Rise, IllumiNative Producers Program, and the PEAK Writers Fellowship. The event also served as a homecoming for Freeland, an alumna of the Women in Film ReFrame Rise program, now supported by Netflix.

“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 met her goal of increasing the number of TV shows she directed and began development for Rez Ball — a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing, award-worthy film that we are so excited for audiences to see.” - WIF CEO, Kirsten Schaffer

The screening was followed by an intimate Q&A with Freeland, which highlighted her journey through artist development programs and the role of community in her career. “Where these programs have been valuable is in the community they create. In LA, the film industry doesn’t always have that sense of community, but I’ve found it through these programs,” Freeland shared.

Navajo Nation (Window Rock, Arizona)

Finally, on September 26, Rez Ball made its return to Navajo Nation with a special screening at Window Rock Theatre in the capital city. Welcomed by Navajo President Buu Nygren, the event brought together community members, students, and local leaders. President Nygren shared his own experiences growing up in Navajo Nation, where basketball is more than just a sport — it’s a way of life.