The South African short film The Last Ranger has taken the international film circuit by storm, receiving acclaim and numerous accolades that highlight its poignant narrative on rhino poaching and conservation efforts.
Recently, it was announced that this powerful film has advanced to the shortlisted films competing for the Live Action Short Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.
Among an impressive pool of 180 qualifying films, The Last Ranger is one of just fifteen to move forward in the competition.
Academy members are currently participating in the preliminary voting process, with expectations high that this gripping tale will resonate with audiences further as it aims for an Oscar. To ensure informed voting, members from all branches must view all shortlisted films before the final nominations.
Directed by the talented Cindy Lee, known for her prior works on Desert Rose and The Girl from St. Agnes, The Last Ranger serves as the second instalment in the anthology When The World Stopped.
The film has already garnered significant recognition by winning Best Narrative Short Film at multiple prestigious film festivals, including the Pan African Film Festival and the San Diego International Film Festival, among others.
Its success has not only qualified it for Oscar contention but has also resulted in wins for Best Screenplay and Best Actress awards for both Liyabona Mroqoza and Avumile Qongqo.
At its core, The Last Ranger tells the compelling story of young Litha, played by Mroqoza, who is captivated by the wonders of a game reserve, guided by the last ranger, Khuselwa, portrayed by Qongqo. Their adventure quickly transforms into a harrowing fight for survival when they are ambushed by poachers, leading them to confront a painful reality that underlines the critical issues of wildlife conservation.
On November 15th, the film was screened at the Isivivana Centre in Khayelitsha, where it enjoyed a memorable collaboration with the Thanda Choir, famous for their viral performances. This collaboration extended to the film’s score, masterfully crafted by renowned composer John Powell, famed for his work on this year’s Oscar frontrunner, Wicked. Following the screening, a Q&A session took place, featuring the director and lead actors, further enriching the audience’s experience.
Cindy Lee expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the film's warm reception, stating, “It is a remarkable feeling to see the positive reception this film has garnered on the international film festival circuit. This being my first short film, I wanted to create a story that resonates in South Africa and across the world. I am honoured that the film is sparking important conversations on conservation, social change, and empowerment.”
Anele Mdoda, Executive Producer at Rose and Oaks Media, added, “We are immensely proud to be involved in a project that addresses such a critical subject. Raising awareness about environmental conservation through storytelling is essential for driving meaningful change. The fact that this story is told in IsiXhosa yet resonates with international audiences speaks to the universal relevance of this urgent issue.”
The Star