In news, we can all give a round of applause: South African short film ‘The Last Ranger’ has been shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars!
Johannesburg, South Africa (19 December 2024) — In standing ovation-worthy news for the South African film industry, local production The Last Ranger has been shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars!
The short isiXhosa film will compete against 15 other contenders for the Best Live Action Short Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.
“To have an isiXhosa film about rhino poaching in the running for an Oscar makes me so proud,” said the film’s director Cindy Lee. “This film is unique and deserves to go all the way.”
Produced by Kindred Films and supported by Executive Producer Anele Mdoda of Rose and Oaks Media, The Last Ranger tells the goosebump-inducing story 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.
Beyond recognition from the literal Oscars, the film has also welcomed a presence to be reckoned with in the international film festival circuit. It has received numerous accolades and awards, not least because of its powerful performances but also because of the heart-tugging narrative.
Thanks to the film’s rise in reputation, the South African film industry gets to gleam on the global stage once again. And with conservation at the forefront, this time with our precious rhinos in mind, all of SA can be enormously proud of the calibre of stories we are telling to the biggest audiences.
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