by Thinus Ferreira
South Africa's short film, The Last Ranger, directed by Cindy Lee and which made the shortlist in the Best Live Action Short Film category in December, has cliched a nomination as one of the final 5 films that will compete for a statue at the 97th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on 2 March.
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The Last Ranger chronicles the story of Lita (Liyabona Mroqoza) who is captivated by the wonders of a game reserve, guided by the last ranger, Khuselwa (Avumile Qongqo), and was filmed against the backdrop of the Amakhala GameReserve in the Eastern Cape province.
Their adventure turns into a fight for survival when they are ambushed by poachers, leading them to confront a painful reality that underlines the critical issues of wildlife conservation.
The Last Ranger, directed by Cindy Lee is written and produced by the American producers Darwin Shaw, Will Hawkes and David S. Lee.
The Last Ranger was filmed by Six Feet Films with executive producer Adam Thal from The Star Film Company in South Africa. The film was supported by Anele Mdoda and her Rose & Oaks Media who joined as an executive producer.
Cindy Lee in a statement says "I am overjoyed that the Academy voters connected with our film and grateful for the overwhelming support that we received from South Africa."
Darwin Shaw says "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".
Will Hawkes says "To have been nominated by the Academy voters shows that the power of film transcends borders".
"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."
Anele Mdoda says "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."
Actress Avumile Qongqo says "We have managed to spark an urgent conversation concerning the plight of rhinos and their caretakers – the rangers".
"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."
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture, in a statement, says "The Last Ranger is a powerful tribute to the resilience of our wildlife and the unwavering dedication of conservationists who work tirelessly to safeguard our natural heritage" and says the production "stands as a testament to South Africa’s rich storytelling and cinematic excellence".
Gayton McKenzie says "We are confident that it will continue to make an impact on the global stage, and we eagerly await the Oscar ceremony on 2 March 2025, hopeful for yet another triumph".
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire cast and crew of The Last Ranger. Your hard work and dedication have helped to elevate South African cinema to new heights and kept our country in the eye of the world. Let us all rally behind this incredible production and showcase our support for local brilliance."
The Last Ranger is now up against the United States' A Lien from Sam Cutler-Kreutz and David Cutler-Kreutz, India's Anuja from Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai, the Dutch entry I'm Not a Robot from Victoria Warmerdam and Trent, as well as Croatia's The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent from Nebojša Slijepčević and Danijel Pek.
South Africa's official Oscars entry, Old Righteous Blues fell out early with South Africa's film industry that doesn't fully understand the scale, process, American distribution and financial backing required to properly compete and mount an Academy Awards nomination campaign.