Produced by LeBron James, a new project from 'Reservation Dogs' Sterlin Harjo is casting
Oklahoma filmmaker and "Reservation Dogs" co-creator Sterlin Harjo has a busy month.
Not only is he receiving the Variety Showrunner Award, but he's also working on a new movie with LaBron James' production company — and young Native American athletes have a chance to get involved.
Midthunder Casting has issued a casting call for male and female Native high school basketball players for paid, speaking roles in the Netflix feature film "Rez Ball."
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A Navajo film and television writer and director who has helmed episodes of the trailblazing Oklahoma-made series "Reservation Dogs," Sydney Freeland will direct the Indigenous basketball drama, which she co-wrote with Harjo. The film is inspired by Michael Powell’s critically acclaimed nonfiction sports novel "Canyon Dreams."
Wise Entertainment and NBA All-Star LeBron James' The SpringHill Co. are producing the film.
“I am beyond excited to be working ... to bring this story to life. Basketball on the Rez is like high school football in West Texas. It has a fanatical following that few sports can rival. I’m also excited to be working with Sterlin Harjo on this. He has brought so much insight, humor, and heart to this story," Freeland said in a statement.
"This is a story that’s commonplace on Indian reservations all over the U.S., but most people aren’t even aware it exists. What we want to do is bring people into our world, to tell a story about the people and places we know, and what better way to do that than through a sports movie? We want to tell a story that is authentic to the place and people, told from the inside-out. We are so excited with the team we’ve assembled and can’t wait to bring this to the screen.”
What is 'Rez Ball' about?
Described as "Friday Night Lights" meets "Hoosiers," the coming-of-age sports drama follows the Chuska Warriors, a Native American high school basketball team from Chuska, New Mexico, that must band together after losing their star player if they want to keep their quest for a state championship alive. It's an all-American underdog sports story — with all-American underdogs who happen to be Navajo.
"Rez Ball" will explore the speedy style of “reservation basketball," which is believed to have influenced top NBA teams and coaches over the years.
Production is to take place in New Mexico, including filming on reservations with the permission and support of the local sovereign tribal nations.
Who is the 'Rez Ball' casting call seeking?
The "Rez Ball" casting call specifies that Native basketball players must be 18 or older by April 10 or a minor who has completed compulsory education or otherwise believes they are exempt from working hour restrictions.
For more information or to apply, go to https://www.facebook.com/MidthunderCasting.
How is Sterlin Harjo being honored for 'Reservation Dogs?'
While "Rez Ball" is casting young Native basketball players, Harjo, a Holdenville native, will receive the Variety Showrunner Award at the 11th annual SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) TVfest. The festival returns in-person Feb. 9-11 in Atlanta, with Harjo receiving his honor on opening night.
With its second season, "Reservation Dogs" — co-created and executive produced by Harjo ("Barking Water"), a Tulsa-based showrunner and moviemaker who is Seminole and Muscogee, and Oscar-winning New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi ("Thor: Love and Thunder"), who is of Maori ancestry — appeared on best TV shows of 2022 lists from USA Today, The New York Times, Rolling Stone and more.
Season 3 of the critically acclaimed FX series will debut later this year exclusively on Hulu.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Sterlin Harjo is casting for a new film and being honored by Variety
