Watch Racing the Rez

Racing the Rez is a 2012 documentary film that follows the journey of Navajo high school students from the Navajo reservation in Arizona as they compete in the annual Indian Relay horse racing competition in Wyoming. The film focuses on the team from Tuba City High School, which has never won the competition before. The students, who come from a poverty-stricken and marginalized community, are motivated to prove their worth and represent their people with dignity and pride. They train meticulously for months, conditioning themselves both mentally and physically, and form a bond with their horses, whom they consider as partners and family.

The Indian Relay is a high-stakes and dangerous event that requires skill, bravery, and resilience. It involves a team of three riders who race bareback around a track, switching horses after every lap in a chaotic and thrilling spectacle that lasts for a few minutes. The riders, who wear bright colors and distinctive face paint, must leap off their horse at top speed, grab the next horse without falling, and catapult themselves back on it while avoiding collisions with other teams.

The film captures the intensity and excitement of the Indian Relay, with its fast-paced editing, dynamic camerawork, and thumping soundtrack. It immerses the audience into the spectacle, showcasing the beauty and power of the horses, the athleticism and courage of the riders, and the passion and dedication of the spectators.

However, Racing the Rez is more than a sports movie. It is a poignant and insightful portrait of the Navajo culture and its struggles, as seen through the eyes of the students and their families. The film offers a glimpse into the realities of life on the reservation, where poverty, alcoholism, domestic violence, and lack of opportunities are endemic. It shows how the students face these challenges with resilience and hope, drawing strength from their traditions, their spirituality, and their community. It also highlights the importance of education, as many of the students dream of pursuing college and professional careers, while also honoring their heritage.

The film was directed by Brian Truglio and produced by Tamara Bell and Bennett Harrell. It premiered at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham, North Carolina, and has since been screened at various film festivals and venues across the country. It has received critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling, stunning visuals, and heartfelt performances, and has been praised for its sensitive and respectful portrayal of the Navajo culture.

In conclusion, Racing the Rez is a thrilling, insightful, and inspiring documentary that celebrates the human spirit and the power of community. It shows how sports can transcend cultural boundaries and unite people in a common goal, while also shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of a marginalized culture. It is a must-see for anyone who loves sports, culture, and humanity.

Racing the Rez is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.