Minister Dion George celebrates Oscar-nominated ‘The Last Ranger’ for raising awareness on rhino poaching
The wildlife conservation short film "The Last Ranger" has been nominated for an Oscar , marking a significant achievement for the South African film industry.
The film has been nominated in the Best Live Action Short Film category at the prestigious awards ceremony.
Last year, “The Last Ranger” bagged several trophies at various international festivals.
It won the award for Best Short Narrative at the Pan African Film Festival (PAF), Audience Choice at the American Conservation Film Festival and the Clover and Maggie Award at the 48th Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF).
Set against the backdrop of the Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, “The Last Ranger” tells the story of a young Xhosa girl, Litha (Liyabona Mroqoza), who works with female game ranger, Khuselwa (Avumile Qongqo), to combat rhino poaching.
Their journey takes a tragic and unexpected turn when they are ambushed by poachers, leading to a battle to protect the rhinos, which uncovers a devastating secret.
South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George has praised this achievement as a pivotal moment for both wildlife conservation and the unsung heroes who protect it.
The minister conveyed his well-wishes to the local and international creators, highlighting the film’s importance in drawing attention to the often-overlooked challenges faced by wildlife rangers.
“I wish to congratulate the team behind this important body of work on choosing to highlight the plight of our rangers, a community of real-life heroes who are often overlooked.
“I believe that this film helps tell our rangers’ story and as a result of this nomination, rangers will garner more local and international support for their work,” he said.
As the fight against wildlife poaching intensifies throughout the country, he emphasised the urgent need for more resources to support the often under-resourced rangers, who remain on the frontline in this battle.
“South Africa’s dedicated rangers are doing incredible work despite being massively under-resourced,” he said.
The minister also called on local and international communities to unite against poaching criminal syndicates.
It was shot in South Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic, as part of an anthology series, “When The World Stopped”, by US film company, Six Feet Films and local producers, The Star Film Company.
It also received backing from radio presenter and film producer, Anele Mdoda’s Rose & Oaks Media.
Mdoda said: “It is through avenues such as film where the socio-political issues that are rampant in our society are addressed and the hope for a better future is reinforced within our people.
“This Oscar nomination serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and how it is used as an instrument for social change.”
Qongqo added: “We have managed to spark an urgent conversation concerning the plight of rhinos and their caretakers - the rangers.
“We shine 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.”
Meanwhile, Mroqoza, who was 11 at the time of shooting the film, said recently in an online interview that she related very much to her character.
“With Litha, I feel like everything about her was so much like me. Her curiosity, her adventurous spirit, just related so much to me that I don’t think I found anything challenging.
“I’d say the challenging part was basically the tears because I had to cry ... I cried Oscar-winning tears.
“It was my first time being on a set, experiencing all these different things, but luckily I had (director) Cindy Lee right by my side and my mom and other family supporting me.”
The Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 2, in Los Angeles, California.
Watch the trailer below.