In hugely exciting news, the short film “The Last Ranger” has earned an Oscar nomination for the Best Live Action Short Film category!
Global (27 January 2025) — While movie enthusiasts around the world sit eagerly in anticipation to learn which big Hollywood films will scoop Oscars this year, South Africans are holding thumbs for ‘The Last Ranger’—a short film making massive waves in the world of cinema.
After being short-listed for the Academy Awards nominations last year, The Last Ranger has officially earned an Oscar nomination for the Best Live Action Short Film Category!
Starring Avumile Qongqo and Liyabona Mroqoza and directed by Cindy Lee with writing and production by Darwin Shaw, Will Hawkes, and David S Lee, The Last Ranger is putting the plight of rhino poaching onto the world’s radar in a whole new, emotionally-tugging way.
Inspired by true life events, The Last Ranger tells the goosebump-inducing story in isiXhosa of a young and wild Litha (Liyabona Mroqoza) and her life-changing journey through a game reserve as guided by the last remaining ranger, Khuseka (Avumile Qongqo).
The journey through the grasslands of the reserve quickly changes tempo from awe-filled to tragic when the young girl and her ranger guide are ambushed by poachers. This twist ignites a battle to protect the rhinos and forges a pathway to a devastating secret.
While the short film offers a powerful story surrounding conservation, it’s also a story about the unsung heroes behind conservation efforts—female 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,” shares actress Avumile.
The film’s place in the international circuit and climb to extraordinary recognition has made the team behind it (and South Africa) enormously proud.
“I am overjoyed that the Academy voters connected with our film and grateful for the overwhelming support that we received from South Africa,” reflected Cindy Lee.
Adds executive producer Anele Mdoda, “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 of change.”
The 97th Academy Awards are taking place on 2 March in Los Angeles. So stay tuned!
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