Teen star Liyabona Mroqoza shines in Oscar-nominated ‘The Last Ranger’ focused on environmental justice
Teen acting sensation Liyabona Mroqoza is still trying to process the fact that the first movie she starred in has been nominated for an Academy Award.
The 14-year-old made her acting debut in the isiXhosa movie “The Last Ranger”, which will be vying for the top film prize in the Best Live Action Short Film category.
With the prestigious awards ceremony set to take place on Sunday, March 2, in Los Angeles, California, Mroqoza is elated about the nomination.
“It is such a blessing to be nominated for an Oscar. It's so awesome to know I have achieved something with my fellow cast members.”
“We have all got what we worked for and we worked really hard so it truly is amazing to know that our work is doing something in the world.”
She is also confident that they can win the prize.
"When, not if, we win the Oscars, the feeling will be out of this world and something amazing to experience,” she explained in a recent interview.
She added: “I feel so grateful and so blessed to have such a big opportunity and to be where I am at this point in my life, it's wonderful.”
In the wildlife conservation short film, Mroqoza plays Litha, a young Xhosa girl, who works with female game ranger, Khuselwa (Avumile Qongqo), to combat rhino poaching.
Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they are ambushed by poachers, leading to a battle to protect the rhinos, which uncovers a devastating secret.
Set against the backdrop of the Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, the movie, which has also received backing from radio presenter and film producer, Anele Mdoda’s Rose & Oaks Media, was shot during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of an anthology series, “When The World Stopped”.
Last year, “The Last Ranger” bagged several trophies at various international festivals, including accolades at the Pan African Film Festival (PAF), the American Conservation Film Festival and the 48th Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF).
Mroqoza believes the warm reception is due to the film's exploration of the critical issue of rhino poaching.
“It meant a huge deal for me because the film speaks about rhino poaching and everything about it touched me. From primary school, I was learning about it so I am happy to be making a difference in such a creative way.”
“Everything about the film unlocks a lot of conversations and it just gets people to experience a new world.”
And with “The Last Ranger” vying for an Oscar, starring in the film is a major milestone for the teenager.
“I got into this industry through my neighbour who was an actress and I asked her to plug me,” Mroqoza explained. She added that with her neighbour’s help, she sent in a video to the movie’s producers and after a few auditions, she secured the role.
“And, now, the rest is history,” she joked.
Mroqoza added that featuring in the production is a dream come true for her.
“Acting has always been something I loved because as an artist, it allows me to express myself and doing things on screen is a big thing because people get to see your work.”
“It is also wonderful to meet and interact with other artists.”
Starring in the movie was also a learning experience for her.
“The biggest lesson I have learned is that anything is possible because in my head, before ‘The Last Ranger’, I was an ordinary girl but having this opportunity to be on screen and just be able to showcase my talents means everything is possible.”
Mroqoza has also received lots of love from her loved ones.
“My friends and family are so happy for me and everyone keeps congratulating me.”
“I can see the proudness in my parent's eyes and I am glad that I am making them happy.”
And with her first starring role having gone so well, the future is bright for the youngster, who now dreams of taking the global stage by storm.
“What fans can expect from me is just me doing my best in this industry because this is an industry that I would like to continue to work and thrive in.”
“I am passionate about being a successful actress and my ultimate goal is just to touch people's hearts and for them to acknowledge my performance and I just want to be the best that I can be as an artist and actress.”