LeBron James' Netflix sports drama Rez Ball filming in New Mexico

Rez Ball, a sports drama from Netflix, will be filming in and around Albuquerque, Shiprock, Belen, Los Lunas, Estancia, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho and the Navajo Nation, with permission and support of local governments and sovereign tribal nations, through May.

The film tells the story of the Chuska Warriors, a Native American high school basketball team from Chuska, N.M. The team must band together after losing their star player as they fight for the state championship. It is an all-American underdog story of Native kids and coaches told from the inside out. 

The film also stars Jessica Matten (Dark Winds), Julia Jones (The Mandalorian), New Mexico native Amber Midthunder (Prey), Kiowa Gordon (Dark Winds), Dallas Goldtooth (Reservation Dogs), Cody Lightening (Echo), Ernest Tsosie (Better Call Saul), and introducing Kauchani Bratt along with newcomers Devin Sampson-Craig, River Rayne Thomas, Jojo Jackson, Avery Hale, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Henry Wilson Jr, Jaren K. Robledo, Damian Henry Castellane, Kusem Goodwind, and Zoey Reyes.

Rez Ball is directed by Gallup native Sydney Freeland (Reservation Dogs, Growing Up) and written by Freeland and Sterlin Harjo (Reservation Dogs) with inspiration from Michael Powell’s critically acclaimed nonfiction sports novel Canyon Dreams. Mauricio Mota and Katie Elmore Mota produce the film for Wise Entertainment (East Los High), Spencer Beighley, Jamal Henderson and LeBron James for The Springhill Company (Hustle) and Nancy Utley for Lake Ellyn Entertainment. It is executive produced by Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping for Chernin Entertainment, Maverick Carter for the Springhill Company (Hustle), Scott Lumpkin (Secret Headquarters, Reminiscence), Freeland, and Harjo.

“We’re thrilled to be home to this film,” cabinet secretary of Economic Development Alicia J. Keyes said. “‘Rez Ball,’ being filmed and set in New Mexico, will highlight our state’s diverse landscapes and rich culture while helping strengthen our local economy and provide job opportunities for New Mexicans.”  

“This is a story that is so deep and close to me, and to be able to showcase our part of America with the world authentically is deeply gratifying,” Freeland said. “We set out to make a film from an authentic point of view, and our incredible cast has brought Sterlin’s and my words to life in that way. Our actors, culled from over 5,000 submissions, embody the spirit and energy of what ‘Rez Ball’ is, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.”

“‘Rez Ball,’ an Indigenous story set in New Mexico, is being produced in New Mexico, directed by an Indigenous New Mexican from Gallup, and will be distributed by our state film partner Netflix,” Dodson said. “’Rez Ball is a testament to what a sustainable, progressive and inclusive film and media ecosystem is, and can continue to be in New Mexico. 

The production will employ nearly 3,000 New Mexicans – 180 crew members and 2,737 background talent.