The Last Ranger, a powerful South African short film, has garnered widespread international recognition. It has also earned numerous awards at prestigious film festivals.
Picture: Supplied
The film, directed by Cindy Lee (Desert Rose, The Girl from St. Agnes) is written and produced by Darwin Shaw, Will Hawkes & David S Lee. It is a gripping portrayal of rhino poaching and conservation efforts in South Africa and serves as the second installment in the anthology When The World Stopped.
Since its release, The Last Ranger has received multiple accolades, including Best Narrative Short Film at the Pan African Film Festival, San Diego International Film Fest and Cordillera Film Festival, thereby qualifying it for Oscar contention for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2025 Academy Awards.
Liyabona Mrpqoza and Avumile Qongqo (Picture: Supplied)
Moreover, it has won Best Screenplay and Best Actress for both Liyabona Mroqoza and Avumile Qongqo, and garnered several other awards at noted festivals. These include Cleveland International Film Festival, Indy Shorts, American Conservation Film Festival and Pretoria Film Festival.
Undoubtedly, the film has cemented its status as a compelling piece of cinema that speaks to universal themes of environmental justice and women’s empowerment.
Avumile Qongqo as Khuselwa (Picture: Supplied)
The story follows young Litha (played by Liyabona Mroqoza), who is introduced to the wonders of a game reserve by the last remaining ranger, Khuselwa (played by Avumile Qongqo). Their journey takes a dark turn when they are ambushed by poachers, leading to a battle to protect the rhinos and ultimately uncovering a devastating secret.
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On the 15th of November, the film screened at the Isivivana Centre in Khayelitsha, with a performance by their own, Thanda Choir, which has become a viral sensation.
They collaborated on the film’s score with world renowned composer, John Powell, This was followed by a Q&A with Director, Cindy Lee and actors, Avumile Qongqo and Waldemar Schultz.
‘It is a remarkable feeling to see the positive reception this film has garnered on the international film festival circuit,’ said Cindy Lee, Director of The Last Ranger.
Cindy Lee (Picture: Supplied)
‘This being my first short film, I wanted to create a story that resonates in South Africa and across the world. I am honoured that the film is sparking important conversations on conservation, social change, and empowerment.’
Anele Mdoda, Executive Producer of Rose and Oaks Media highlighted the importance of raising awareness about environmental conservation through storytelling.
‘The fact that this story is told in IsiXhosa yet resonates with international audiences, speaks to the universal relevance of this urgent issue.’
Below is the full list of awards for The Last Ranger:
● Pan African Film Festival BEST NARRATIVE SHORT FILM – *qualified the film for eligibility at the Academy Awards (Oscars)
● Toronto International Women Film Festival BEST NARRATIVE SHORT
● LA Independent Women Film Awards BEST NARRATIVE SHORT and BEST YOUTH ACTRESS (Liyabona Mroqoza)
● Atlantic Film Festival BEST ACTRESS (Avumile Qongqo) and BEST SHORT SCRIPT
● International Images Film Festival for Women BEST NARRATIVE SHORT
● Cascade Festival of African Films OFFICIAL SELECTION
● Pretoria Film Festival BEST SCREENPLAY, BEST ACTRESS, BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, PRODUCTION DESIGN
● Portland EcoFilm Festival FINALIST
● American Conservation Film Festival GREEN FIRE AWARD and AUDIENCE AWARD
● Cleveland International Film Festival THE CLOVER AND MAGGIE AWARD WINNER and AUDIENCE AWARD BEST SHORT FILM RUNNER UP
● Blackstar International Film Festival BEST SHORT FILM and BEST YOUTH ACTRESS
● Salute Shorts Film Festival HONOURABLE MENTION 2024
● Indy Shorts International Film Festival AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD BEST NARRATIVE DRAMA 2024
● HollyShorts Film Festival FINALIST BEST FILM 2024
● Heartland International Film Festival BEST OF FEST SPECIAL SCREENING
● Cordillera International Film Festival WINNER BEST DRAMA SHORT
● San Diego International Film Festival BEST DRAMA SHORT 2024
● Hells Half Mile Film and Music Festival GRAND JURY PRIZE BEST SHORT FILM; AUDIENCE AWARD BEST SHORT; BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE
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