Kauchani Bratt is a rising actor known for his role as Jimmy Holiday in Netflix’s film Rez Ball, which premiered in September 2024.
A graduate of UC Santa Cruz with a degree in philosophy, he is of Quechua and Coahuiltecan heritage.
Bratt’s journey to acting began unexpectedly; he submitted an audition tape despite having no formal experience, landing the lead role out of 5,000 submissions.
Rez Ball explores themes of Native American culture and resilience through the story of a high school basketball team.
Kauchani Bratt parents
Bratt comes from a rich family background that has significantly influenced his life and career.
His father, Peter Bratt Sr., is a sheet metal worker, reflecting a hardworking ethos that has likely instilled values of perseverance and dedication in Kauchani.
His mother, Eldy Bratt, is a nurse and a political activist deeply committed to Native American rights.
With her roots in Quechua heritage from Peru, Eldy’s activism includes notable participation in the 1969 Alcatraz occupation, an important event in the history of Native American activism that sought to reclaim land and draw attention to the issues faced by Indigenous peoples.
Kauchani is also the nephew of actor Benjamin Bratt, who has enjoyed a successful career in film and television.
Benjamin has been a supportive figure in Kauchani’s life, providing guidance and mentorship as he navigates his own path in the entertainment industry.
Early career
Kauchani’s entry into acting was not a traditional one.
While pursuing a degree in philosophy at UC Santa Cruz, he had little exposure to the performing arts.
His background primarily consisted of academic studies and personal interests, including basketball, which played a significant role in his upbringing.
Kauchani grew up playing basketball on reservations, an experience that deeply connects him to the themes explored in Rez Ball.
His breakthrough came when he stumbled upon an open casting call for Rez Ball, a film that centers on Indigenous culture and the sport of basketball.
The film was produced by LeBron James’ The SpringHill Company and directed by Chris Eyre, a prominent figure in Native American cinema.
Seeing this opportunity as a chance to represent his heritage and share authentic stories, Kauchani decided to audition despite having no formal acting training.
He recorded an audition tape and submitted it, ultimately standing out among 5,000 other hopefuls.
After being cast as Jimmy Holiday, Kauchani faced the challenge of stepping into a lead role with no prior experience.
To prepare for the role, he dedicated himself to intensive training at an acting studio in San Francisco, where he learned various techniques to enhance his performance.
Later career
Rez Ball, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, marks Kauchani’s debut in film.
The movie explores themes of community, resilience, and identity through the lens of high school basketball within Indigenous culture.
Kauchani’s personal connection to these themes enriches his performance, making it relatable and impactful.
As Rez Ball gained attention, Kauchani found himself at the forefront of discussions about representation in Hollywood.
His success has opened doors for further opportunities in the industry, allowing him to explore more complex roles that resonate with his background and values.
Kauchani’s journey highlights a significant shift in Hollywood toward embracing diverse voices and stories that were previously underrepresented.
