The South African short film, The Last Ranger, has been nominated for the Best Live Action Short Film award at the 97th Academy Awards. Starring Avumile Qongqo and Liyabona Mroqoza, directed by Cindy Lee and written and produced by Darwin Shaw, Will Hawkes and David S Lee, the film is a gripping portrayal of rhino poaching and conservation efforts of the rangers in South Africa.
Shot against the backdrop of the Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, The Last Ranger tells the story of young Litha (Liyabona Mroqoza), who is taken on a wondrous journey through a game reserve by the last remaining ranger, Khuselwa (Avumile Qongqo). Their journey takes a tragic and unexpected turn when they are ambushed by poachers, leading to a battle to protect the rhinos which ultimately uncovers a devastating secret.
Inspired by true life events, the film bridges an emotional narrative with thought-provoking sociopolitical themes. These expose the harsh realities of rhino poaching and the socio-economic difficulties that cause them.
The power of the film comes from performances by Avumile Qongqo and Liyabona Mroqoza, who were just 11 years old when the movie was filmed. This marks her debut acting role, which has earned her best actor awards at numerous international film festivals.
The film was shot by Six Feet Films during the pandemic as part of an anthology series, When The World Stopped, by U.S. producers Darwin Shaw, Will Hawkes & David S Lee with executive producer Adam Thal from The Star Film Company in South Africa. It has received backing from Anele Mdoda at Rose & Oaks Media who had joined as executive producer.
“It is remarkable to bring a powerful woman’s story, in the Xhosa language to an audience in America and see them profoundly respond to it,” said Shaw, “To have been nominated by the Academy voters shows that the power of film transcends borders.” Hawkes added, “The Last Ranger highlights the heroic efforts of unsung heroes, the female rangers, who risk their lives to protect South Africa’s rhinos from extinction.”
Director, Cindy Lee expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the recognition: “I am overjoyed that the Academy voters connected with our film and grateful for the overwhelming support that we received from South Africa.”
Actress, Avumile Qongqo said, “We have managed to spark an urgent conversation concerning the plight of rhinos and their caretakers – the rangers,” She adds, “We shine the light on the bravery of female rangers who are on the frontlines, fiercely conserving and protecting our wildlife. We salute them resoundingly with this film.”
Executive Producer, Anele Mdoda remarked: “It is through avenues such as film where the sociopolitical issues that are rampant in our society are addressed and the hope for a better future is reinforced within our people. This Oscar nomination serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and how it is used as an instrument for social change.”
The 97th Academy Awards (Oscars) will take place on Sunday, 2nd March 2025 in Los Angeles.
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