Culture Craze
“The Last Ranger” Nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards
South African cinema has made history as the isiXhosa film The Last Ranger has been nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards, set to take place on March 2, 2025. This remarkable achievement marks a significant moment for the South African film industry and highlights the power of local storytelling on the global stage.
View this post on Instagram
Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie expressed his excitement over the nomination, acknowledging the film’s potential to leave a lasting impact. “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,” McKenzie said.
Directed by Cindy Lee, The Last Ranger is inspired by the true story of Thandi, a rhino that survived a brutal poaching attack at the Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. The film tells the story of the courageous woman who fought to protect these iconic animals against all odds.
Cindy Lee’s directorial career began 18 years ago after working as a copywriter at TBWA Hunt Lascaris. Over the years, she has become one of South Africa’s most celebrated directors, known for her work on popular adverts and her 2014 screenplay Horn, which addresses the horrors of rhino poaching. Lee’s talent has been widely recognized, earning her a nomination for a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) in 2017 for her work on the drama series Sober Companion.
View this post on Instagram
The film has already garnered recognition, winning Best Short Narrative at the 2024 Pan African Film Festival (PAF). With a stellar cast including Avumile Qongqo, Liyabona Mroqoza, and Makhaola Ndebele, The Last Ranger has captivated audiences with its poignant narrative and powerful portrayal of wildlife conservation.
McKenzie offered heartfelt congratulations, saying, “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.”
The Last Ranger serves as a poignant tribute to the tireless conservation efforts and the resilience of South Africa’s wildlife. The film not only highlights the challenges faced by conservationists but also reinforces South Africa’s position on the global stage as a leader in wildlife preservation.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
