In a historic moment for South African cinema, The Last Ranger, a short film co-produced by media personality and businesswoman Anele Mdoda, has earned a nomination for Best Live-Action Short Film at this year’s Academy Awards. The film, produced by Mdoda’s company Rose & Oaks Media, has made waves by becoming the first isiXhosa film to be nominated for an Oscar. To celebrate this monumental achievement, the South African premiere was held at Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg, on the evening of February 12, 2025.
The Last Ranger, which stars Liyabona Magazi (14) and Avumile Qongqo (39), tells a compelling story that resonated with audiences in Khayelitsha when it was first streamed. However, until now, Johannesburg had not had the chance to view the film. The premiere at Montecasino allowed residents of Jo’burg to finally experience it on the big screen, and it was a night to remember.
According to Daily Sun, Anele Mdoda, who serves as an executive producer of the film, shared her excitement for the premiere. “I’m just so glad that finally everyone can watch it because being nominated for an Oscar means only the producers, executive producers, actors, director, their family and friends, and the Academy members have seen it,” she said.
She went on to explain, “So, we’ve been speaking about it and advertising it, but people at home haven’t seen it. It was previously streamed in Khayelitsha, and people saw it there, but those in Jozi hadn’t. So, we’re glad Montecasino gave us a 500-seat theatre to show it to everyone.”
The premiere was attended by a number of high-profile South African stars. Among the guests were renowned actress Zikhona Sodlaka, actor and TV host Trevor Gumbi, and music industry icon Busiswa, who all gathered to celebrate the success of the film. Also in attendance were Dineo and Solo Langa, as well as renowned South African composer and producer Lebo M, making it a night full of glitz and glamour.
SPOTTED:
Anele Mdoda
Media personality, Businesswoman and now Oscar-nominated producer is at the South African premiere of her Oscar-nominated local short film, The Last Ranger, in Johannesburg. #KgopoloReports #TheLastRangerMovie pic.twitter.com/R0qCukoyB9
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) February 13, 2025SPOTTED:
Dineo and Solo
Mr and Mrs Langa were at the South African premiere of the Oscar-nominated local short film, The Last Ranger, in Johannesburg. #KgopoloReports #TheLastRangerMovie pic.twitter.com/lUnnRQ7m1X
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) February 13, 2025SPOTTED:
Zikhona Sodlaka
The actress is at the South African premiere of the Oscar-nominated local short film, The Last Ranger, in Johannesburg. #KgopoloReports #TheLastRangerMovie pic.twitter.com/KJ0dafDHEM
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) February 13, 2025
