“The Last Ranger”, a South African short film that shines a spotlight on rhino poaching, has garnered multiple awards on the international film festival circuit.

The production by Kindred Films, which is supported by Anele Mdoda’s Rose and Oaks Media, is the second instalment in the anthology series “When The World Stopped”.

Since it was released in January, it has received multiple accolades. This includes Best Narrative Short Film at the Pan African Film Festival, the San Diego International Film Festival and Cordillera Film Festival, among others

The film also qualified for Oscar contention for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2025 Academy Awards while also winning Best Screenplay and Best Actress for both Liyabona Mroqoza and Avumile Qongqo.

“The Last Ranger” has also garnered several other awards at noted festivals such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Indy Shorts, the American Conservation Film Festival and the Pretoria Film Festival.

It has cemented its status as a compelling piece of cinema that speaks to universal themes of environmental justice and female empowerment.

A scene in ‘The Last Ranger’. Picture: Supplied.

A statement explained that the story follows young Litha (Mroqoza), who is introduced to the wonders of a game reserve by the last remaining ranger, Khuselwa (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.”

The rest of the cast includes Makhaola Ndebele, David S. Lee and Waldemar Schultz

The film is directed by Cindy Lee, who also helmed “Desert Rose” and “The Girl from St. Agnes”. It is written and produced by Darwin Shaw, Will Hawkes and David S Lee.

Lee added in the statement that it is “a remarkable feeling” to see the positive reception that “The Last Ranger” has garnered on the international film festival circuit.

“This being my first short film and 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.”

Meanwhile, Mdoda, who is the Rose and Oaks Media executive producer, added:

“We are immensely proud to be involved in a project that addresses such a critical subject.”

“Raising awareness about environmental conservation through storytelling is essential for driving meaningful change and the fact that this story is told in IsiXhosa yet resonates with international audiences, speaks to the universal relevance of this urgent issue.”

Meanwhile, the film was also screened at the Isivivana Centre in Khayelitsha last week.

During the event, there was also a performance by the Thanda Choir, who collaborated on the film’s score with world renowned composer, John Powell, who also composed this year’s Oscar front-running film, “Wicked”.

Here is “The Last Ranger’s” full list of awards:

Best Short Narrative at the Toronto International Women Film Festival.
Best Short Narrative and Best Youth Actress for Mroqoza at the LA Independent Women Film Awards.
Best Actress for Qongqo and Best Short Script at the Atlantic Film Festival.
Best Short Narrative at the International Images Film Festival for Women.
Official Selection at the Cascade Festival of African Films.
Best Screenplay, Best Actress for Mroqoza, Best Supporting Actress for Qongqo and Best Production Design at the Pretoria Film Festival.
Finalist at the Portland EcoFilm Festival.
Green Fire Award and Audience Award at the American Conservation Film Festival.
The Clover and Maggie Award Winner and the Audience Award Best Short Film Runner-Up at the Cleveland International Film Festival.
Best Short Film and Best Youth Actress for Mroqoza at the Blackstar International Film Festival.
Honourable Mention 2023 at the Salute Shorts Film Festival.
Audience Choice Best Award for a Narrative Drama 2024 at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival.
Best Film Finalist 2024 at the HollyShorts Film Festival.
Best of Fest Special Screening at the Heartland International Film Festival.
Best Drama Short at the Cordillera International Film Festival.
Best Drama Short 2024 at the San Diego International Film Festival.
Grand Jury Prize for the Best Short Film, Audience Award for Best Short Film at the Hells Half Mile Film and Music Festival