FARMINGTON – A crowd of nearly 100 people attended a free screening of the film “Rez Ball” Saturday night at the Henderson Fine Arts Center at San Juan College, one of the events celebrating cultural work of Native American artists called Weaving Stories in Art and Film.
The event, which included a Native Arts and Crafts Market and a talent show, basketball hoop raffle, hoop dancers, and free food, also featured guest speakers like actor Ryan Begay, who starred in the sports film released in September on Netflix.
In addition to the screening, presentations by various industry experts took place during the daylong event. Award-winning film composer Marcello DeFrancisi discussed the music he created for films such as “Ferrari,” “Jane Got a Gun,” “God of War” video game, and more projects.
DeFrancisi, raised in Argentina and based in Los Angeles, has also lived for some time in Farmington, spoke to an audience about his inspiration for producing music for films.
“I like big stories, whether it be dramatic or historic stories. Those speak to me in a very creative way,” DeFrancisi said. “What I love about this area, particularly in Shiprock, is the history you can feel. I’ve been able to feel and experience those things and the energy which greatly affects my work.”
“Rez Ball,” directed by Gallup native Sydney Freeland, tells the story of a fictional high school basketball coming to terms with trying to compete for a state championship while also dealing with the death of one of its star players. The film was shot throughout much of 2023 with filming locations throughout the Navajo Nation, with the permission and support of sovereign tribal nations.
Begay, who played the character of Roland Jackson in the film, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who later attended the Colorado Film School, where he found his niche in film making.
Begay has written and directed numerous short films, music videos, PSAs and continues to work behind the camera.
“One of the most rewarding things about this film and the reaction to it has been the positive image of the Native American story,” Begay said. “It has inspired so many to step out into the spotlight, whether it be in film or music.”
Begay thinks that the energy and buzz around the film is only the beginning of a positive trend toward Native Americans in the industry.
“It’s great to have those writers and producers behind the camera. It’s not just about the acting, but finding work in the crews of these productions and doing these technician jobs that is wonderful to see,” Begay said.
In addition to the screening of “Rez Ball,” attendees at Saturday’s event were also given a chance to see a pair of projects awarded grants from the Navajo Nation TV and Film and Division of Diné Education. These projects included a film and short presentation by local Navajo filmmaker Makayla Yazzie, along with an animation project by Navajo Diné Anthony Emerson.
Weaving Stories in Art and Film was the brainchild of Luke Renner, San Juan College’s professor of Digital Media Arts and Design. Renner worked with Brandon Ashley, director of the Native American Center at San Juan College, on creating an event to commemorate Native American Heritage Month in relation to art and film.
“Following the release and seeing the popularity of Rez Ball, I started reaching out to several people and there were quite a few connections that came together to make this event happen,” Renner said.
Renner has seen the rise in popularity of San Juan County and surrounding communities across the southwest as an economic boon for the film and television industry.
“With the expansion of Netflix studios, and studios in Santa Fe, I think New Mexico is becoming a go-to location for filming. For a smaller community, we’re seeing people who are working on projects,” Renner said. “I have a former student who returned to the area who is now teaching filmmaking to another generation.”
