Will Hawkes, a Ukiah High School graduate and co-founder of the production company Kindred Films, will return to his Mendocino roots when his Oscar-nominated film “The Last Ranger” screens in Ukiah.
The film, which highlights rhino conservation efforts in South Africa, has earned an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short. “The Last Ranger” will be shown with other short films by Mendocino filmmakers presented by Hardly Artists on Jan. 31 at the Ukiah Players Theatre, offering a unique opportunity for the community to witness important work by hometown talent.
Born and raised in Ukiah and Willits, Hawkes grew up in a blended family of artists, community organizers, and social activists. Surrounded by creative talent, he initially struggled to find his own artistic outlet. He couldn’t paint or draw like other family members. He failed to sing in tune or play an instrument. So, Hawkes channeled his creative energy into the performing arts, quickly becoming a standout in his high school drama class. A tall, lanky kid with an abundance of energy and natural talent, Hawkes entertained his peers and Drama teacher with improvisational skits that poked fun at infomercials. He also enrolled in a high school Digital Media class, taught by Lech Slocinske, where he learned the technical side of storytelling through film, setting the stage for his future as a filmmaker.
After graduation, Hawkes traveled before settling in Los Angeles, where he earned an AA in filmmaking from LA Valley Community College. He then attended UCLA, graduating with a degree in Political Science. A decision to take an acting class during this time shifted the course of his life. Hawkes experienced the power of acting and storytelling.
“There is something that is communicated from an actor to the audience that is really powerful,” Hawkes said, in an interview. “Stepping into someone else’s shoes and communicating a point of view creates powerful empathy. There’s a beautiful, ephemeral connection that develops into a memorable relationship between the audience and actors on stage.”
The experience reignited his passion for storytelling and the arts, setting him on a new path that would ultimately lead him to filmmaking and the creation of Kindred Films.
When the COVID lockdown began in 2020, Will Hawkes’ friend and filmmaker colleague, Darwin Shaw, reached out with a call to action: “Let’s not just sit around. Let’s collaborate with other filmmakers and tell stories about the global pandemic.”
Inspired by this idea, Hawkes and Shaw encouraged filmmakers from across the globe to submit their work, and the anthology series “When The World Stopped” was born. This collection of short films highlights systemic challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, from healthcare disparities to environmental conservation. The project marked the beginning of Hawkes’ and Shaw’s venture into social impact filmmaking, setting the path to create their non-profit foundation Kindred Films.
Kindred Films is dedicated to creating powerful stories that shine a spotlight on challenges impacting communities around the world. The production company partners with charitable organizations aligned with the themes of the films to raise awareness and garner support at local and global levels.
“The Last Ranger” is one of Kindred Films’ powerful productions. It is set in South Africa and inspired by the real challenges of rhino conservation during the pandemic. Produced by Hawkes and Darwin Shaw, directed by Cindy Lee, and written by David S. Lee, Hawkes, and Shaw, the fictional story follows a fierce woman, the last remaining ranger at a wildlife reserve, who must teach a young girl about the threat of poachers and the need to protect endangered rhinos. Against the backdrop of increased poaching risks and dwindling resources, the film highlights the challenges of those on the frontlines of rhino conservation and the urgency of preserving these majestic creatures. Local South African actors and crew were employed to create the piece. Kindred is working with ARCC (African Rhino Conservation Collaboration) and South African schools to screen the film for students to inspire them to advocate for wildlife conservation.
“I hope people recognize there is an awe-inspiring world around us with magnificent creatures that need our consideration and protection.”
Will Hawkes, producer and filmmaker
With stunning visuals, a compelling, female-centered narrative, and music by Oscar-nominee John Powell, “The Last Ranger” has earned 20+ film festival awards, including the 2024 Pan-African Film Festival. Said Hawkes about the film, “I hope people recognize there is an awe-inspiring world around us with magnificent creatures that need our consideration and protection.”
And now the film has been recognized with an Oscar nomination. “How crazy is this?” said Hawkes of the nomination. “It feels absolutely surreal. Teachers like Kate Macgruder and Lech Slocinske, who believed in me as an artist and human being when I didn’t yet fully believe in myself, helped propel me to where I am today. I will always appreciate that.”
Hardley Artists’ Short Film Screening is at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at Ukiah Players Theatre, 1043 Low Gap Road, Ukiah. Tickets are $12 at hardlyartists.com.
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