Filming Locations of the Rez Ball Movie: Where Was It Shot?
This captivating film is directed by Native American filmmaker Sydney Freeland, who collaborated on the screenplay with Sterlin Harjo.
Rez Ball tells the compelling story of a Native American high school basketball team, the Chuska Warriors, grappling with the loss of one of their star players, Nataanii Jackson. As they face their greatest challenge, the team must overcome their grief, unite, and prove they are still the reigning state champions.
Set in the vibrant town of Chuska, New Mexico, the filming of the movie predominantly took place within the Navajo Nation, a significant Native American reservation. Produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, Rez Ball premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024, before being made available for streaming on Netflix starting September 27, 2024.
Exploring the Filming Locations of Rez Ball
According to an article published by Deadline on April 17, 2023, the production team of Rez Ball started filming in New Mexico. Emphasizing the importance of Native American culture, the film employed nearly 3,000 New Mexicans, comprising 180 crew members and around 2,737 background actors, all contributing to the film’s success.
The key filming locations for Rez Ball include:
Shiprock, New Mexico
Shiprock is an autonomous territory within the Navajo reservation, located in San Juan County, New Mexico. It is named after the iconic Shiprock rock formation, which holds great cultural significance for the Navajo people.
Established on September 11, 1903, by William Taylor Shelton—who was appointed as the superintendent of the San Juan Agency by the Bureau of Indian Affairs—Shiprock has a rich history.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Founded in 1706 by Francisco Cuervo y Valdés, the governor of Santa Fe de Nuevo México, Albuquerque lies primarily in the Albuquerque Basin, bordered by the West Mesa to the west and the Sandia Mountains to the east.
With a rich historical legacy, Albuquerque is home to numerous cultural landmarks, including the University of New Mexico and events like the Gathering of Nations and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Known as the Duke City, it’s an excellent destination for exploring New Mexican cuisine.
Los Lunas, New Mexico
Los Lunas, a village in Valencia County, has historical roots dating back to 1716 when land was granted to Don Adrian Luna Candelaria. By 1876, the village became an administrative center and was recognized as a Native community village in 1928.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is situated in the Piedmont region of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Founded in 1610, it is the oldest state capital in U.S. history. According to the 2022 American Community Survey, Santa Fe has a population of over 89,000, making it the fourth most populous city in the state.
Brimming with art, history, and architecture, Santa Fe boasts numerous galleries and museums, making it a popular destination for artists, history enthusiasts, and travelers alike.
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Rio Rancho is the third largest city in New Mexico and the most populous city in Sandoval County. Originally founded by Spanish colonial settlers around 1710, Rio Rancho was once part of the Town of Alameda.
In 1848, after the U.S. victory in the Mexican-American War, the area became part of the U.S. territory. Since the late 20th century, many large ranches have been developed into suburban areas of Albuquerque.
Navajo Nation
A significant portion of Rez Ball was filmed in the Navajo Nation, which spans parts of northwestern New Mexico, northeastern Arizona, and southeastern Utah. The seat of government is located in Window Rock, Arizona, making it the largest Indian reservation in the United States.
On September 26, the creators of Rez Ball held a special screening at the Rock Theatre for community members who contributed to the film. During this event, Navajo President Buu Nygren discussed the vital role of basketball within the Navajo culture.
Don’t miss the chance to watch Rez Ball, which will be released on Netflix on September 27, 2024.
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