Educational Media Reviews Online

From “rez ball” to the big leagues, Shoni Schimmel has taken the basketball world by storm. While not documenting what may be her greatest achievement to date – being drafted in the first round of the 2014 WNBA draft to the Atlanta Dream – Off the Rez chronicles the journey Schimmel and her family have taken to help her pursue her dream of playing basketball. While following Shoni’s high school career in Portland, Oregon – and hinting at her achievements to come once she accepts a college basketball scholarship to play for the University of Louisville Cardinals – this film also highlights the struggles and triumphs of Shoni’s mother, father, siblings, and community.

Although the film does not focus on Shoni’s sister, Jude’s prosperous basketball career as extensively as Shoni’s, Off the Rez does well to demonstrate the strength of this family’s bond through difficult times. Financial and geographical hardships are presented as relatable to a general audience, and are not perceived specifically as a “Native American problems,” which is often the case in other documentaries about the reservation. Instead, this film portrays the reservation in a positive manner, showcasing the sense of community that comes out of living together in a certain space and sharing a distinctive culture. In particular, this family has discovered a way to combine sacrifice, dedication, and love into a catalyst for change.

Off the Rez is a truly inspiring film for athletes, young girls, and Native American youth alike. Shoni Schimmel demonstrates that if you combine ambition and hard work with perseverance and a little bit of sacrifice, then you can achieve any of your greatest dreams and goals. I highly recommend this film to those interested in following the story of this up-and-coming basketball star and role model, as well as to anyone who just needs a little inspiration to get through their day.