In an exciting turn of events for the South African film industry, director Cindy Lee’s debut short film, The Last Ranger, has garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. This thrilling news broke on January 23, as the nominees for the 97th Academy Awards were announced in a glamorous presentation featuring comedians Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang at the iconic Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles.
Produced by Six Feet Films and with the support of media powerhouse Anele Mdoda, The Last Ranger is making an international splash. The poignant narrative centers on the pressing issue of rhino poaching and conservation in South Africa. It follows the journey of Litha, a young girl portrayed by Liyabona Mroqoza, who teams up with Khuselwa, the last remaining ranger (played by Avumile Qongqo). Together, they navigate the mesmerizing landscapes of a game reserve, only to find themselves in a fierce confrontation with poachers, igniting a quest to protect the endangered rhinos.
Director Cindy Lee couldn’t contain her pride following the announcement, stating, “Having an IsiXhosa film spotlighting rhino conservation cherished by the Academy fills me with pride. This film brings a unique perspective and I believe it truly deserves this honor.”
Anele Mdoda, who played a pivotal role as an executive producer, shared her jubilation on social media, exclaiming, “South Africa! We’ve done it! We’ve been nominated for an Oscar!” She expressed confidence in the film’s potential, boldly declaring, “The Last Ranger is going to win it and bring it home.”
In a heartfelt tribute to the creative team, Mdoda praised Lee and co-writer David Lee for crafting a compelling story that urgently needs to be shared. “Let’s take a moment to acknowledge Avumile Qongqo and Liyabona Mroqoza for their remarkable and moving performances. Also, enormous thanks to my fellow Executive Producers, Will Hawkes & Darwin Shaw, for helping me take this significant step in my career,” Mdoda noted.
As the Oscars loom closer, The Last Ranger continues to make waves with its powerful narrative and phenomenal performances. Not only does the film highlight critical conservation issues, but it also showcases the immense talent of South African filmmakers on the global stage. With all eyes on this captivating story, it’s safe to say that the film is generating buzz not just for its artistic merit but also for its heartfelt message about wildlife protection.
