The Last Ranger: When storytelling becomes a catalyst for conservation
Published - 4 July 2025
In a time when attention is divided and causes compete for visibility, The Last Ranger stands out as a rare and urgent story – one that not only entertains but also educates, provokes, and mobilises. This isiXhosa short film, recently nominated in the Live Action Short Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, brings global recognition to a deeply South African issue: the fight to protect the country's endangered rhinos and the communities connected to their survival.
At its core, The Last Ranger is a story about people, rangers who risk their lives daily, communities navigating economic pressures that complicate conservation, and activists working quietly to preserve South Africa's natural heritage. Through intimate storytelling and cinematic excellence, the film captures the emotional and ecological realities of rhino poaching and environmental decline, turning viewing into an act of reflection.
Recognising the importance of this story, Nedbank, in partnership with Kindred Films, the WWF Nedbank Green Trust, Studio Aether, and the African Rhino Conservation Collaboration (ARCC), presents this screening not just as a film event but as a testament to Nedbank's longstanding commitment to using its financial expertise and platform to address some of society's most urgent issues, with environmental sustainability at the forefront.
'At Nedbank, we believe that protecting our natural heritage is not only an environmental responsibility but a social one,' says Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Group Corporate and Social Investment at Nedbank. 'The Last Ranger gives a voice to a cause we have long supported and reflects our dedication to using our financial expertise for a lasting, sustainable impact.'
For Nedbank, this forms part of a broader vision; one that centres on the green economy, biodiversity conservation, and community upliftment. The bank's decades-long partnership with the WWF Nedbank Green Trust exemplifies this mission, ensuring that investments in environmental protection also empower local communities, build resilience, and promote inclusive development.
2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the WWF Nedbank Green Trust, one of South Africa's premier conservation funds. To commemorate this milestone, Nedbank has partnered with Kindred Films and director Cindy Lee to support the phenomenal story of The Last Ranger through an exclusive, intimate, and interactive screening, hosted in collaboration with Studio Aether.
Since its founding in 1990, the WWF Nedbank Green Trust has invested in over 200 major conservation projects across diverse themes and geographies, catalysing a significant impact in the fight to save our environment. Co-founded by Nedbank and WWF-SA, the WWF Nedbank Green Trust supports nature conservation projects. Through the Nedbank Green Affinity, and with the support of Green Affinity clients, more than R376 million has been raised to fund these projects.
From 2020 alone, the WWF Nedbank Green Trust has committed R90 million to 31 conservation initiatives across the country. Nedbank plays a crucial role by providing financial support and leveraging its banking expertise to facilitate the trust's initiatives. As a founding partner, Nedbank helps fund innovative projects aimed at addressing critical environmental and societal challenges in South Africa. By aligning its corporate social responsibility efforts with WWF-SA's strategic focus, Nedbank actively supports the trust's mission to foster a sustainable future for both people and nature.
The premiere aims to foster deeper dialogue among conservationists, creatives, business leaders, and young South Africans – all united by a common goal: creating an impact that will endure beyond the moment. Attendees will experience a red-carpet event, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this Academy Award-nominated film, and meaningful interactions with the cast, director Cindy Lee, and conservation experts like Dr William Fowlds.
By promoting The Last Ranger, Nedbank is not just supporting a film, it is advancing a movement where storytelling becomes a tool for Justice, a means for awareness, and a catalyst for lasting change.
