Cindy Lee’s short film, The Last Ranger, has secured a spot among the final contenders for the 97th Academy Awards, representing Africa in the Best Live-Action Short Film category. Produced by Darwin Shaw, the South African film is set to compete at the prestigious Oscars ceremony, scheduled for March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. This achievement marks a significant moment for African cinema as the film prepares to showcase its storytelling prowess on a global stage.
The nominees were revealed in a live announcement from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles, with actors Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang co-hosting the event. While The Last Ranger continues Africa’s Oscar aspirations, Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop’s documentary, Dahomey, was eliminated from both the Best Documentary and Best International Feature Film categories despite initially making the shortlist. This development shifts Africa’s hopes toward the South African production, which remains in contention for an Oscar win.
Earlier in the selection process, nine films from across Africa—representing Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Cameroon, Kenya, and Tunisia—had been nominated in the Best International Feature Film category. Their inclusion underscored the diversity and richness of African cinema, reflecting the continent’s growing impact on the global film industry. Although The Last Ranger is the only African film still in the running at the Oscars, its presence highlights the region’s storytelling excellence and commitment to high-quality filmmaking.
Set in South Africa’s Amakhala Game Reserve, The Last Ranger explores the dangers of rhino poaching and the conservation efforts to protect the endangered species. The film follows Litha, a determined young girl who, in her quest to defend the rhinos, uncovers a shocking truth. Premiering on January 7, 2024, at the Pan African Film Festival, the film has since received praise for its powerful narrative and compelling message about wildlife preservation.
Co-written by David Lee, Will Hawkes, and Darwin Shaw, the short film stars Liyabona Mroqoza as Litha, alongside a talented cast. Since its debut, The Last Ranger has garnered multiple accolades, including The Clover & Maggie Award at the Cleveland International Film Festival and Best Short Narrative at the San Diego International Film Festival. Additionally, it has won Best Narrative Short at the LA Independent Women Film Awards, the Audience Choice Award at Indy Shorts International Film Festival, and the Green Fire Award at the American Conservation Film Festival, among others, solidifying its reputation as an exceptional cinematic work.