Canadian drama television series
The Rez is a Canadian drama television series, which aired on CBC Television from 1996 to 1998. Bruce McDonald and Norman Jewison were executive producers of the series, which chronicled life in an Ojibwe community. The series is based on the short story collection "Dance Me Outside" by W. P. Kinsella and its 1994 film adaptation by McDonald. It was cancelled after two seasons.
Production.
Bruce McDonald was executive producer with Norman Jewison. Most of the characters were based on W. P. Kinsella's short story collection "Dance Me Outside", which had been made into a film by McDonald.
The series was filmed in the Parry Sound region at Harrison Landing in Carling Township. All episodes run around 23 minutes.
The name of the reservation, "Kidabaneesee", is a word made up by the producers.
Awards and nominations.
At the 1997 Gemini Awards, Jennifer Podemski was nominated for "Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role" for the episode "Golf and Politics".
At the 1998 Gemini Awards, Patricia Collins was nominated for "Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Series" for the episode "They Call Her Tanya". Producer Brian Dennis was also awarded the Canada Choice Award for this episode. Also at the 1998 Gemini Awards, Ryan Rajendra Black was nominated for "Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role" for the episode "Lust".
Etymology for Title of Film.
The word rez is American English for reservation and signifies an area of land held and governed by Native American tribal nation that is legally recognized by the United States federal government.