REZ LIFE BECOMES art for 21-year-old Jojo Jackson, star of the new Netflix hit Rez Ball. Based on a true story, the film follows a Diné high school basketball team vying for a New Mexico state championship after the tragic loss of their star player. Like his underdog character, Warlance Yazzie, the first-time actor grew up playing ball and facing adversity on the Navajo Nation. But after beating out hundreds of actors for his part, Jackson has more than hoop dreams. The Albuquerque resident appeared in Vogue’s September issue and has his sights on new roles. “It’s been a ride,” he says. “But I’m taking it in, I’m adapting, and I can’t love it more.”
Jojo Jackson (left), Devin Sampson-Craig (middle), and Kauchani Bratt (right) on the set of ”Rez Ball.”
Photograph courtesy of Jojo Jackson/@jojojaxn
I GREW UP IN THE BOONIES between Gallup and Shiprock, surrounded by livestock and a lot of rez dogs. When I was younger, there were nine of us in a two-bedroom house with no access to any electronics. I was left with my imagination to curate my own kind of performance and bring my own sparkle to it.
After I got cast in Rez Ball and saw how big a movie it is—tied to Netflix and [director] Sydney Freeland, [co-writer] Sterlin Harjo, and [producer] LeBron James—
I was just like, What am I getting myself into?
The story felt like an accurate depiction of what goes on at the reservation, including self-harm and depression. But it also gives new perspectives on Native life and traditions.
Basketball is huge back home. Thousands of Navajos will pack a gym in a ghost town—somehow all these people gather together. I wanted to be part of something that shows that.
I identified with Warlance. We both grew up playing basketball. He’s also gay and Two Spirit. I felt like I could portray that accurately and not tokenize it. There’s a lot of gay teens on the reservation that don’t have a muse. I couldn’t find one growing up. Many resort to being closeted. I thank my mom and dad endlessly for letting me be myself.
Each character on the team is so different. There’s somebody for everyone to align themselves with.
The first week we shot in Shiprock was a full circle moment for me. I had lived in a double-wide trailer a half mile from the high school we filmed at—and now I’m there making a movie!
I hope the takeaway from the film is that Natives come in all different ways, and we’re all one. It’s such a beautiful story. I hope it encourages younger viewers to keep doing what they’re doing and to talk to somebody if they need to. —As told to Candolin Cook
Read more: With streaming services opening new studios, A-list directors helming major productions, Native stories getting attention, and world-class crews taking on exciting projects, the Land of Enchantment is the center of the action.
