South African film The Last Ranger nominated Best Live Action Short Film awardat the Oscars
By CityLifeArts Writer
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 AvumileQongqo and Liyabona
Mroqoza, directed by Cindy Lee and written and produced by Darwin Shaw, Will Hawkes &
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 (AvumileQongqo). 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 AvumileQongqo and Liyabona Mroqoza,
who was 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, WhenThe World Stopped, by U.S. producers Darwin Shaw, Will Hawkes & David S Lee with executiveproducer Adam Thal from The Star Film Company in South Africa. It has received backingfrom 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 inAmerica and see them profoundly respond to it,” said Shaw, “To have been nominated by theAcademy voters shows that the power of film transcends borders.” Hawkes added, “The LastRanger highlights the heroic efforts of unsung heroes, the female rangers, who risk their lives toprotect South Africa’s rhinos from extinction.”
Director, Cindy Lee expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the recognition: “I am overjoyed thatthe Academy voters connected with our film and grateful for the overwhelming support thatwe received from South Africa.”Actress, AvumileQongqo said, “We have managed to spark an urgent conversation concerningthe plight of rhinos and their caretakers – the rangers,” She adds, “We shine the light on thebravery 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 thesociopolitical 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 thepower 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.
Film Credits:
Directed by Cindy Lee.
Produced by Darwin Shaw & Will Hawkes at Six Feet Films
Find out more at their non-profit website: Kindred Films
https://www.kindredfilms.org/the-last-ranger
South African Production company The Star Film Company
Written by
David S. Lee, Will Hawkes & Darwin Shaw
Starring: AvumileQongqo and Liyabona Mroqoza
with Makhaola Ndebele, David S. Lee and Waldemar Schultz.
Music by John Powell & The Thanda Choir (Instagram: @thanda.choir)
Cinematography by James Adey