Netflix’s Rez Ball Devin Sampson Craig Interview

In a wonderful full circle moment, Daybreak Star Radio’s RONN!E and Sherry Steele interview Devin Sampson Craig about his role in Netflix’s new movie Rez Ball. Devin is no stranger to the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, having once worked here before his big break as Bryson in Rez Ball.

Devin is from the Yakima Indian Reservation, growing up in White Swan, Washington. He is a proud member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and spent his childhood playing basketball as a point guard. At 18 he moved to Seattle to pursue his higher education at the University of Washington before taking a quick break for his first ever acting role.

Rez Ball follows a basketball team in the Navajo nation following the tragic death of their star player. Together, they use basketball as their medicine and show the world their strength.

Devin talks about the connection he felt to his fellow actor Kauchani Bratt who plays Jimmy Holiday. They met during his first call back and was his first read-through with another actor. The two immediately felt a click as if they already knew one another.

Bratt wasn’t the only person Devin clicked with. He credits Sydney Freeland (Director) for creating a safe and open space on set that allowed him to connect more deeply to the emotional scenes and take improv risks during the comedic ones. Her ability to make him and others feel comfortable lent itself to his performance and the overall feeling of the film. Devin also appreciated Sydney’s willingness to allow lingo and slang from other nations into the movie.

Staying on the topic of language, Devin recounts having to learn Navajo. Though he wasn’t used to the pronunciation of the words, he understood the importance of learning one’s own language. Having been surrounded by his own native language since childhood, Devin knows the connection language can create.

When asked about what he hopes others take away from the film, Devin had several possibilities. He felt that it was important to show a non-westernized depiction of what Indigenous people go through and how they deal with it. In the film, the characters mourn in a more traditional way, letting basketball be the medicine that helps them heal and move forward. It acknowledges the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects that come with healing, and shows characters experiencing them all in their own way. Others in the Indigenous community can see it and find their own medicine within the movie. It gives representation to Native Americans and helps them to feel seen and less alone.

Wrapping up the interview, Devin had some wise words for other Indigenous people looking to get into the entertainment industry or pursue their dreams in general. He expresses that staying away from drugs and alcohol is important. That those substances won’t help get you to where you want to go, or make you feel better. Instead, take healthy risks. Be on the lookout for opportunities and don’t be afraid to take the leap when they come your way.

Devin has always loved movies, but never saw himself as being on the big screen. Now that he has, it has reignited his passion for films. He plans on continuing his work as an actor and is actively auditioning while finishing his fourth-year undergrad at UW.