South African film The Last Ranger had made it to the shortlist of the 97th Academy Awards announced yesterday. Directed by Cindy Lee, it has earned a nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category.
The 28-minute IsiXhosa film is about rhino poaching in a game reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Inspired by true events, The Last Ranger tells the story of a teenager named Litha (played by Liyabona Mroqoza) and the last remaining ranger, Khuselwa (played Avumile Qongqo). The story looks at Thandi, a rhino that miraculously survived a poaching attack at the game reserve, and the “courageous woman who fought to protect these iconic animals against all odds”.
“To have an IsiXhosa film about rhino poaching in the running for an Oscar makes me so proud. This film is unique and deserves to go all the way,” Lee said in a statement, according to News24.
“The Last Ranger is a profoundly moving cinematic experience that stands out as a masterpiece in short film storytelling… This is a piece of art that commands attention,” Jillian Corsie, Programmer, Salute Your Shorts Film Festival, said last year.
The movie has been praised for bringing attention to the ongoing issue of rhino poaching in South Africa. According to the International Rhino Foundation, rhino poaching is a major concern in South Africa, with hundreds of rhinos killed each year. In 2023, 499 rhinos were poached in the country, a concerning 10% increase compared to 2022.
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South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) reported that Kruger National Park – once the hotspot for rhino poaching – saw another decrease, with 78 rhinos poached in 2023.
“I am pleased that we have managed to narrate and spark quite a critical and urgent conversation concerning the plight of rhinos and their immediate caretakers, the rangers,” Qongqo said. “We were also intentional on shining 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.”
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, released a statement today celebrating the Oscar nomination noting that The Last Ranger is a powerful tribute to the resilience of our wildlife and the unwavering dedication of conservationists who work tirelessly to safeguard our natural heritage.
“The film’s ongoing success, having already won Best Short Narrative at the 2024 Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), is a clear indication of its impact and brilliance,” McKenzie said in his statement. “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.”
Yesterday was also a big day for Nigerian-British actor, Cynthia Erivo, who received a nomination as Best Actress in a Leading Role at this year’s Academy Awards for her role as Elphaba in the cinematic version of the Broadway classic, Wicked. If Erivo wins the Oscar in March, the Daytime Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award-winning actress will then receive the coveted EGOT status.
“’Moments like this don’t come along very often, and when they do, it is sacrilege to let them pass by without a moment of gratitude,” Erivo wrote on Instagram after the announcement. “’I often get asked what I would say to my younger self. Well, today there’s nothing to be said. She is smiling, beaming, glowing from ear to ear. That speaks volumes.”
Additionally, Wicked picked up another nine nominations including Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande and Best Picture along with several technical categories.
Winners of the of the 97th Academy Awards will be announced on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
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