Will Hawkes, a Ukiah Excessive College graduate and co-founder of the manufacturing firm Kindred Movies, will return to his Mendocino roots when his Oscar-nominated movie, The Final Ranger, screens in Ukiah.
The movie highlights rhino conservation efforts in South Africa and has earned an Oscar nomination within the class for Greatest Reside Motion Quick. The Final Ranger might be proven alongside different quick movies by native Mendocino filmmakers on January 31 on the Ukiah Gamers Theater, providing a novel alternative for the neighborhood to witness the impactful work of hometown expertise.
Born and raised in Ukiah and Willits, Hawkes grew up in a blended household of artists, neighborhood organizers, and social activists. Surrounded by artistic expertise, he initially struggled to seek out his personal inventive outlet. He couldn’t paint or draw like different members of the family. He did not sing in tune or play an instrument. So, Hawkes channeled his artistic vitality into the performing arts, rapidly changing into a standout in his highschool drama class. A tall, lanky child with an abundance of vitality and pure expertise, Hawkes entertained his friends and Drama instructor with improvisational skits that poked enjoyable at infomercials. He additionally enrolled in a highschool Digital Media class, taught by Lech Slocinske, the place he realized the technical aspect of storytelling via movie, setting the stage for his future as a filmmaker.
After commencement, Hawkes traveled earlier than settling in Los Angeles, the place he earned an AA in filmmaking from LA Valley Group Faculty. He then attended UCLA, graduating with a level in Political Science. A call to take an appearing class throughout this time shifted the course of his life. Hawkes skilled the facility of appearing and storytelling.
“There is something that is communicated from an actor to the audience that is really powerful,” Hawkes stated, 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 expertise reignited his ardour for storytelling and the humanities, setting him on a brand new path that will finally lead him to filmmaking and the creation of Kindred Movies.
When the COVID lockdown started in 2020, Will Hawkes’ buddy and filmmaker colleague, Darwin Shaw, reached out with a name to motion: “Let’s not just sit around. Let’s collaborate with other filmmakers and tell stories about the global pandemic.”
Impressed by this concept, Hawkes and Shaw inspired filmmakers from throughout the globe to submit their work, and the anthology collection When The World Stopped was born. This assortment of quick movies highlights systemic challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, from healthcare disparities to environmental conservation. The undertaking marked the start of Hawkes’ and Shaw’s enterprise into social influence filmmaking, setting the trail to create their non-profit basis Kindred Movies.
Kindred Movies is devoted to creating highly effective tales that shine a highlight on challenges impacting communities world wide. The manufacturing firm companions with charitable organizations aligned with the themes of the movies to lift consciousness and garner help at native and world ranges.
The film poster to ‘The Last Ranger.’ The film explores rhino poaching and conservation efforts in Amakhala Sport Reserve, Japanese Cape, South Africa in the course of the pandemic. (Kindred Movies by way of Bay Metropolis Information)
The Final Ranger is one among Kindred Movies’ highly effective productions. It’s set in South Africa and impressed by the true challenges of rhino conservation in the course of the pandemic. Produced by Will Hawkes and Darwin Shaw, directed by Cindy Lee, and written by David S. Lee, Hawkes, and Shaw,, the fictional story follows a fierce lady, the final remaining ranger at a wildlife reserve, who should educate a younger lady about the specter of poachers and the necessity to defend endangered rhinos. Towards the backdrop of elevated poaching dangers and dwindling assets, the movie highlights the challenges of these on the frontlines of rhino conservation and the urgency of preserving these majestic creatures. Native South African actors and crew had been employed to create the piece. Kindred is working with ARCC (African Rhino Conservation Collaboration) and South African colleges to display screen the movie for college students to encourage 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 beautiful visuals, a compelling, female-centered narrative, and music by Oscar-nominee John Powell, The Final Ranger has earned 20+ movie competition awards, together with the 2024 Pan-African Movie Pageant. Stated Hawkes in regards to the movie, “I hope people recognize there is an awe-inspiring world around us with magnificent creatures that need our consideration and protection.”
And now the movie has been acknowledged with an Oscar nomination. “How crazy is this?” stated 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.”
Be a part of Will Hawkes and different native filmmakers at Hardley Artists’ Quick Movie Screening on the Ukiah Theatre’s Playhouse on January 31 at 7pm, the place The Final Ranger and different distinctive quick movies might be showcased. It’s a novel alternative to have fun the expertise and influence of Mendocino County filmmakers.
