DURANT, Okla. — The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma recently hosted a special screening of “Stickball: The Little Brother of War,” a documentary short exploring the history, culture and modern-day significance of Native stickball, one of the oldest Indigenous games in North America.
Held Saturday, May 30 at the Choctaw Casino & Resort, The District Cinema in Durant, the event featured players and coaches highlighted in the film, cultural leaders and members of the media to experience the powerful story rooted in tradition and cultural identity.
The film highlights stickball’s enduring importance among tribal nations today, including the role of women in the sport and the way the game continues to strengthen community bonds across generations.
Following the screening, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a Q&A and engage with featured stickball players and filmmaker Mark Williams.
“For the Choctaw people, stickball is more than a game; it's an identity. It represents resilience, community, and cultural continuity,” said Mark Williams, director of the film. "My goal with this documentary was to honor our past, highlight the stories of today's players, while sharing the significance of this ancient game with a broader
audience, and it’s incredibly meaningful to premiere it with the Choctaw Nation.”
The documentary is now being submitted at various film festivals. For keeping up with opportunities where the film can be seen, Williams recommends following the social media pages, www.facebook.com/theresnocryinginstickball or www.instagram/stickballdoc .
The event underscores the Choctaw Nation’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing its cultural heritage while elevating Indigenous stories through film. It also marks the countdown to the World Series of Stickball, the premier tournament for Choctaw stickball, held during the Choctaw Indian Fair, July 14-18 in Choctaw, Mississippi.
