The Academy that awards the Oscars has released the list of films shortlisted for the 97th ceremony. Two African productions are featured, ahead of the final shortlist scheduled for January 2025 and the grand ceremony on Sunday, March 2.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the films that have advanced to the next round of shortlisting for the 2025 Oscars, and two African films remain in contention. These are the South African production The Last Ranger and the Senegalese production Dahomey. These works mark a significant milestone in the representation of the African continent on the international stage, evoking immense pride among African cinephiles and beyond.
The Last Ranger, directed by Cindy Lee, has been praised for its poetic and poignant approach to addressing environmental and human issues through the lens of a South African park ranger’s life. This short film, despite its limited duration, has managed to captivate audiences with its narrative and visual power. It will compete in the next round of shortlisting on Friday, January 17, 2025, in the Best Live Action Short Film category—a competition expected to be fierce given the exceptional quality of this year's contenders.
As for Dahomey, directed by Franco-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop, it continues to draw attention in two prestigious categories: Best Documentary Feature and Best International Feature Film. This feature-length film offers an intimate and powerful exploration of the Amazons of Dahomey, an elite female corps that shaped the pre-colonial history of West Africa. Already honored with the Golden Bear at the most recent Berlinale, the film stands out for its ability to intertwine history with contemporary reflections on issues of gender and power.
These two films go beyond representing Africa; they spotlight universal themes that resonate with a global audience. The narratives they present transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, asserting a strong and unique African voice in the global cinematic landscape. While The Last Ranger highlights environmental challenges, Dahomey delves into courage and resilience in the face of historical erasure.
Directors Cindy Lee and Mati Diop embody a new generation of committed African filmmakers determined to use cinema as a tool for dialogue and transformation. Their works also underscore the importance of international collaborations in elevating African narratives to new heights. These achievements demonstrate that, despite the challenges faced by the African film industry, the continent's talents are capable of competing with the best productions worldwide.
The hope that Africa will secure a distinction at the ceremony on Sunday, March 2, remains strong—not only for the teams behind these films but also for those who see this recognition as a validation of decades of efforts to position African cinema on the global stage. A victory in any category could serve as a catalyst, inspiring a new generation of creators and attracting greater investment in the sector.
For now, The Last Ranger and Dahomey continue their journey toward ultimate recognition, fueled by enthusiasm that transcends the borders of their home countries. Win or lose, their selection already represents a triumph for African cinema and a powerful reminder that the continent is brimming with stories waiting to be told.
