The Last Ranger short film — shot at the Amakhala and Kariega game reserves in the Eastern Cape — has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
The bilingual film in English and isiXhosa goes up against: A Lien, Anuja, I’m Not a Robot and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent on March 2.
Set at Amakhala during the Covid-19 lockdown, the film follows the story of a young girl, Litha (played by Liyabona Mroqoza), whose day visiting the reserve alongside its last ranger Khuselwa (played by Avumile Qongqo) ends with a poaching attack revealing a devastating secret.
“I told my best friend and she was so excited and proud of me. I’ve been receiving phone calls from family nonstop. I will forever be grateful to have been part of this,” said Mroqoza, who was born in Mthatha and only 11 when the film was shot.
Qongqo said: “We managed to spark an urgent conversation concerning the plight of rhinos and their caretakers — the rangers.
“We shone the light on the bravery of female rangers on the front lines, fiercely conserving and protecting our wildlife. We salute them resoundingly with this film.”
The film was directed by Cindy Lee and co-written by her brother David S Lee, who also acts as Robert, the grizzly mentor to Khuselwa.
Cindy expressed her gratitude for the recognition.
“I am overjoyed that the Academy voters connected with our film and grateful for the overwhelming support we received from SA.”
The film was shot by Six Feet Films as the second instalment to the global anthology series When The World Stopped, by US producers Darwin Shaw, Will Hawkes and Lee, joined in SA by executive producer Adam Thal from The Star Film Company.
It later received backing from Anele Mdoda at Rose & Oaks Media, who joined as executive producer.
“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,” Shaw said.
Mdoda said: “This Oscar nomination serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and how it is used as an instrument for social change.”
The film has garnered international acclaim, winning awards at the Pan African Film Festival, San Diego International Film Fest and Cordillera Film Festival.
Minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie said he received news of the nomination with great pride and expectation.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire cast and crew ... Your hard work and dedication have helped to elevate SA cinema ... Let us all rally behind this incredible production and showcase our support for local brilliance.” McKenzie said.
Amakhala co-founder Dr William Fowlds, a wildlife vet and esteemed rhino conservationist, said: “The staff on Amakhala Game Reserve, who were part of the production process and film set, have seen what it takes to create a film worthy of an Oscar nomination, and they feel very proud to have contributed to this story.
“Let’s not forget it is based on a real-life indigenous Eastern Cape story. Thandi the rhino lived through horrific poaching over a decade ago and has gone on to have multiple calves and grand-calves on Kariega Game Reserve.
“That is compelling in its own right and adds a layer of gravity and stark reality, which I believe inspired everyone involved to put that extra layer of love into the making of The Last Ranger.”
Daily Dispatch
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.