The South African film The Last Ranger, directed by Cindy Lee, has earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film.
The nominees for the 97th Academy Awards were announced in Los Angeles recently. The announcement was co-hosted by actor-writer-comedians Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang in a live presentation from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
The nominee’s announcement, initially scheduled for 17 January, was postponed due to the fires in Los Angeles.
According to a press release, the film is produced by Six Feet Films and supported by Anele Mdoda.
A description of The Last Ranger reads: “The film tells a captivating story about rhino poaching and the conservation efforts taking place in South Africa. It follows a young Litha (Liyabona Mroqoza) on a wondrous journey through a game reserve by the last remaining ranger, Khuselwa (Avumile Qongqo). Their journey takes a tragic and unexpected turn when they are ambushed by poachers, leading to a battle to protect the rhinos and ultimately uncovering a devastating secret.”
Director Lee initially expressed excitement about being shortlisted last year.
“To have an IsiXhosa film about rhino poaching in the running for an Oscar makes me so proud,” Lee said.
“This film is unique and deserves to go all the way.”
Winners of the industry’s highest honours will be unveiled at a 2 March ceremony hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.
