top of page

Filmmaker Interview with Will Hawkes

Writer's picture: Chris OlsonChris Olson

Interview by Chris Olson


Filmmaker Interview with Will Hawkes

Tell us a bit about your background, in particular some of the impressive acting credits you have.


I had been acting for over a decade when, in 2015, I started to make the shift into writing/directing/producing. My family’s background is in public service and community development and although I was tremendously grateful for the acting roles I was able to play, I wanted a little more agency in what stories I was putting out into the world. I was also curious if I could use film to advocate for some of the ideas I thought were important.


The short film The Last Ranger is your current project (which we love). Can you tell us your role in the movie and how it all came about?


At the start of the pandemic, a fellow actor-turned-producer, Darwin Shaw, approached me about using the time during lockdown to work with other #filmmakers to tell stories about what was happening around the world at that time. We created an anthology series of 24 stories by 24 filmmakers around the world about systemic issues affecting their communities that were exacerbated by the social and cultural upheaval of the pandemic, called, When the World Stopped.


We received over 100 scripts and have been developing stories with these amazing writers and it has turned into an incredible adventure around the world.

Why did you want to be involved with this story?


David Lee submitted a wonderful script from South Africa about game rangers protecting rhinos from poachers during lockdown. We thought it was essential for the series to have a story representing the point of view of one of the other non-human, sentient beings we share the planet with. We developed the story and were introduced to his sister Cindy Lee who happened to be a highly talented South African director. It all fell naturally into place.


Also, how could we pass up the chance to shoot a film in a South African wildlife park with real rhinos, elephants, lions and other magnificent creatures roaming about? Getting to make a narrative, dramatic film with actors this up-close and intimate with these majestic animals was a once in a lifetime opportunity.


What were the challenges getting it made?


Obviously shooting with kids and animals is always a huge challenge, let alone when those animals weigh 3 tons. The wildlife vets and rangers at the Amakhala Game Reserve where we shot the film, did a superb job of keeping us safe and teaching us how to interact with the marvelous animals.



We were also supremely fortunate to have our brave and talented actors, who delivered such astonishing performances in this challenging environment. Our young star, Liyabona Mroqoza, was 11 years old and had never acted before. The performances she and Avumile Qongqo (who plays her ranger mentor) delivered are so full of emotional depth and understanding of the human spirit, I am utterly in awe every time I watch the film.


How are audiences responding to the film?


We started submitting The Last Ranger to festivals last year, and pretty quickly we were getting to travel and share the film with audiences around the world. It’s been pretty special seeing the powerful reactions of audiences witnessing a story this up-close and personal with wild rhinos. We were fortunate to get a win at the Oscar-qualifying Pan African Film Festival and after submitting to the academy, we got shortlisted in December. We find out on the 23rd if we make the final 5 nominees. Feels kinda surreal.


What will you do if you win the Oscar?


It feels wild even answering this question, but it would actually give us the chance to share the film with more people and to motivate them to take action to protect wild rhinos and to advocate for broader wildlife conservation.


What’s next for you?


While we are continuing to produce the remaining stories in the When the World Stopped anthology, we have created a non-profit called, Kindred Films, where we collaborate with charities aligned with the theme of each film to allow them to use it to raise funds and awareness from their supporters, and with educators to inspire the next generation to advocate for causes they care about.


Where and when can people watch The Last Ranger?


It will be playing next month online at the Manhattan Short festival where we you can also donate directly to the game reserve. We are aiming for it to become available as part of the When the World Stopped anthology on a major steamer. 


In the meantime, you can go to kindredfilms.org to find out more about our mission and to arrange to privately screen The Last Ranger for a charity or student group you think would benefit from the message.


Коментарі


The UK Film Review Podcast - artwork

Listen to our
Film Podcast

Film Podcast Reviews

Get your
Film Reviewed

Video Film Reviews

Watch our
Film Reviews

bottom of page