The Last Ranger short film expose harsh realities of rhino poaching
The film was launched at Montecasino during a star-studded celebration. It is also nominated for the Oscars set to take place next month.
The spotlight is on homegrown talent as The Last Ranger, a short film that exposes the harsh reality of rhino poaching in South Africa, premiered at Montecasino on February 12.
Mzansi’s A-listers and fans gathered for the exclusive screening to also celebrate the film’s Oscar nomination for Best Live-Action Short Film.
Starring Avumile Qongqo and Liyabona Mroqoza, The Last Ranger has earned a prestigious spot among the Oscar contenders, with the 97th Academy Awards taking place on March 3.
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The film, produced by Tebogo Malope’s The Star Film Company and directed by Cindy Lee, takes viewers into the lives of brave rangers who risk everything to protect the country’s precious wildlife.
Anele Mdoda, a media personality and producer of the film, said she was proud of the end product and the way the film had had an impact on people’s lives, especially in conservation.
“We were so sure about this short film that I called every network and told them to watch it,” she said.
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Lion King composer Lebo Morake, the executive producer of the film, credited how great work could come out of telling real South African stories.
“This movie is proving not every opportunity, song, or anything has to be about drugs, nudity and violence to be good. Somebody opened the door for me, and that someone was South African. It was not always about money. My relationship with Anele and the film comes from that principle. Everybody has a role to play. Anele delivers and produces quality. We have to come to a point where we are about quality,” said Morake.
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One of the fans who attended the event, Karabo Eland, said, “I love Anele Mdoda. It has always been a dream for me to see her in person, and tonight was the day. I am so thrilled by the film. I did not know much about the lives of rangers and the real reason why people poach for rhino horns. I got to find those answers through the film.”
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