Off the Rez

Off the Rez is an inspiring and engaging 2011 documentary that explores journeys just as much as it does basketball. With a starring cast featuring Ceci Moses, Delores Moses, and Lillian Moses, this eye-opening film is the result of the vision of Directors Jonathan Hock and Erin Leyden to bring forth an empowering story to the screen that originates from the Native American reservations.

The film sets off on the remote and expansive Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, home to the confederated tribes of the Umatilla. Residing here is Shoni Schimmel and her family who take center stage in the movie. The focal point of Off the Rez is the hard-fought quest of Shoni and her family to escape the limitations that define life on the reservation and pursue her dream of success in mainstream America, using her extraordinary talent for basketball.

The viewer follows the indomitable Shoni and her family as they take the bold step of embarking on an unfamiliar and challenging journey. Leaving behind the comfort and safety of their community, the Schimmels, the tribe’s resident basketball royalty, shift to Portland where the talented Shoni can play at a competitive level for a nationally recognized high school team, increasing her opportunities for a college scholarship. Tough, confident, and with an adept hand on the court, Shoni Schimmel, along with her mother Ceci, form the robust spine of this narrative.

Ceci Moses, a decorated high school basketball coach and former player, is Shoni’s support system and quietly assertive mentor. She is shown as a pillar of strength with her uncompromising vision of success for her talented daughter. Ceci carries an infectious optimism, which she uses to counterbalance the struggles and prejudices they face. As a single mother of eight, she defies societal archetypes, showing unrelenting resilience despite the pressure.

At the heart of Off the Rez is a story about a family's push for realization of dreams, acceptance, and their struggle to reconcile their dual identity within the confines of a vastly different environment away from the reservation. But what distinguishes this film from others of a similar nature is its unique and intimate exploration into the contemporary Native American experience.

As the narrative unfolds, the viewers get an unfiltered glimpse into the harsh realities of life within reservation boundaries — the high poverty levels, minimal job opportunities, and the on-going battle with the ghosts of a traumatic past. The Schimmels' story serves as a snapshot of these daily struggles, further framing both the social and financial hurdles that impede many dreamers and athletes originating from similar backgrounds from making it big.

What adds a textured depth to this story is the inclusion of the wider community into the narrative. Characters like Delores and Lillian Moses allow us to understand the tight-knit tribal community, the richness of its cultural tapestry, their contrasting perceptions of the Schimmels' departure, and the embodiment of hope that Shoni represents to this community.

The film's cinematography amplifies the emotions and realities of this complex story. From high-energy basketball games displaying Shoni’s high-speed dribbling and eagle-eyed shooting, to the quieter moments of introspection, the visuals create an immersive experience.

A defining feature of Off the Rez is its deft handling of its subjects. The director touches upon sensitive themes such as cultural displacement, identity preservation and the struggle to overcome internal and external difficulties, while maintaining respect and admiration for the Native American heritage. Additionally, the essence of women's empowerment and endurance form a consistent undercurrent throughout, contributing to the film's resonance.

Off the Rez is an evocative narrative, a hidden gem, that combines sport, inspirational personal triumph, cultural exploration, and the importance of strong familial bonds within a seamless cinema verite style. Its power lies in its authenticity and genuine representation of a family determined to forge a path toward their dreams.