{{Short description|Documentary film about rangers}} {{COI|date=September 2024}} {{Infobox film | name = Rhino Man | image = RHINO MAN Poster.png | alt = RHINO MAN poster | director = {{plainlist| *John Jurko II *Matt Lindenberg *Daniel Roberts }} | producer = {{plainlist| *Matt Lindenberg *Justin Walker *John Jurko II }} | starring = {{plainlist| *Anton Mzimba *Martin Mthembu *Ruben De Kock *Marianne De Kock *William, Prince of Wales }} | cinematography = {{plainlist| *Nick Smith *John Jurko II }} | editing = {{plainlist| *Jacob Ross *Cristian Lora Troncoso }} | music = Simón Wilson | studio = {{plainlist| *Global Conservation Corps *Friendly Human }} | released = {{Film date|2024|07|26}} | runtime = 96 minutes | country = United States<br/>South Africa | language = English<br/>Xitsonga<br/>Zulu<br/>Afrikaans }} '''''Rhino Man''''' is a feature-length documentary about South African field rangers protecting rhinos from poaching by crime syndicates. It's a film by the Global Conservation Corps produced by Friendly Human and directed by John Jurko II, Matt Lindenberg, and Daniel Roberts. It features the late, Anton Mzimba, the Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, who was murdered in 2022 as the film was being completed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Film About Murdered Wildlife Ranger Whose Story Moved Prince William Released on Anniversary of Death (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/rhino-man-movie-moved-prince-william-gets-streaming-release-8682677 |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}</ref>

== Background == With over 1,200 rhinos killed in a year, 2014 became the height of the rhino poaching crisis in South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 January 2015 |title=South Africa confirms 2014 worst on record for rhino poaching - Wildlife Trade News from TRAFFIC |url=https://www.traffic.org/news/south-africa-confirms-2014-worst-on-record-for-rhino-poaching/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.traffic.org |language=en}}</ref> It was also the year the ranger trainer, Martin Mthembu, died in a car accident. Martin trained rangers during his life while working with his business partners, Ruben and Marianne De Kock, at the African Field Ranger Training Services,<ref>{{Cite web |last=ELI |date=2014-08-05 |title=We lost a great man, a great professional, a great ranger |url=https://earthleagueinternational.org/2014/08/06/lost-great-man-great-professional-great-ranger/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Earth League International |language=en-US}}</ref> which became a part of the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC).<ref>{{Cite web |last=WildlifeCollege |date=2018-04-27 |title=Training in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India - Southern African Wildlife College |url=https://wildlifecollege.org.za/training-in-kaziranga-national-park-assam-india/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Co-director Matt Lindenberg studied at the Southern African Wildlife College and trained rangers with Martin and Ruben. When Martin died, Matt began efforts to continue his work by founding the Global Conservation Corps in 2015. The organization's first project, ''Rhino Man'', focused on documenting the stories of rangers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-14 |title=Can Rhinos Survive Mankind? {{!}} Tufts Now |url=https://now.tufts.edu/2018/11/14/can-rhinos-survive-mankind |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=now.tufts.edu |language=en}}</ref>

== Production == The production of ''Rhino Man'' began in 2015 when South African conservationist, Matt Lindenberg of the Global Conservation Corps (GCC), partnered with Friendly Human, an Atlanta, Georgia based video production company.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Day |first=World Rhino |date=2015-09-21 |title='Rhino Man' Project Launched in Atlanta, GA |url=https://www.worldrhinoday.org/2015/09/21/rhino-man-project-launched-in-atlanta-ga/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=WORLD RHINO DAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

From 2015 to 2018, the team made five trips to South Africa, capturing interviews and developing the story. In February 2018, John Jurko II took a position at Friendly Human. Two months later he began leading the completion of ''Rhino Man'' along with Matt.

In July 2018, Matt and John raised funds through GCC for a two week production trip to South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-05 |title=Rhino Man's Tribute to a Friend and the Future |url=https://www.popmatters.com/rhino-man-john-jurko-interview |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.popmatters.com |language=en-US}}</ref> On that trip they captured the ranger selection which appears in the film, along with additional footage of Anton Mzimba.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Behind the scenes on RHINO MAN with Director John Jurko II |url=https://unitedforwildlife.org/news/rhinoman-behind-the-scenes/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=United for Wildlife |language=en-GB}}</ref> They also met filmmaker Phillip Hattingh, who donated archival footage of the late Martin Mthembu.<ref>{{Cite web |title=People of the Parks - Rhino Man with John Jurko II |url=https://www.npadpodcast.com/episodes/blog-post-title-three-p4jh4-ywr48 |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=National Park After Dark |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2020, the Global Conservation Corps took full ownership of the project.<ref>{{Cite web |last=LHX |first=TRANSSION |title=185: Behind the Scenes of Rhino Man with Director John Jurko II {{!}} Podcast {{!}} Boomplay |url=https://www.boomplay.com/episode/5655720 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Boomplay Music - WebPlayer |language=en}}</ref> John Jurko II flew to South Africa in March to further develop the storyline when he was locked down with Matt for nine months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wortman |first=Rebekah |title="Voices of Nature" Podcast {{!}} Episode 11: John Jurko |url=https://globalconservationcorps.org/voices-of-nature-podcast/11-john-jurko/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=Global Conservation Corps |language=en-US}}</ref>

The ''Rhino Man'' team partnered with composer Simón Wilson to create an original score for the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-06-15 |title=Rhino Man composer Simón Wilson - Exclusive Interview |url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/interview-with-rhino-man-composer-simon-wilson/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Flickering Myth |language=en-US}}</ref> In addition, they partnered with Sipho Mchunu and Mandisa Dlanga, two musical artists from Johnny Clegg's South African bands, Juluka and Savuka,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-12 |title=Artist Profiles: Sipho MChunu {{!}} World Music Central |url=https://worldmusiccentral.org/2019/01/12/artist-profiles-sipho-mchunu/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bambalele |first=Patience |date=14 November 2017 |title='We can't allow Clegg to retire' |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2017-11-14-we-cant-allow-clegg-to-retire/ |work=Sowetan Live}}</ref> respectively. Working with Sipho<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sipho Mchunu {{!}} Actor, Music Department |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2555861/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref> and Mandisa,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mandisa Dlanga {{!}} Music Department |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10866833/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref> they created ''Rhino Man's'' title track, "Who Will Step Up?"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Susan |date=2024-04-11 |title="Rhino Man" Documentary to Premiere with Royal Introduction at the 15th Annual New Media Film Festival® |url=https://www.newmediafilmfestival.com/rhino-man-documentary-to-premiere-with-royal-introduction-at-the-15th-annual-new-media-film-festival/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=New Media Film Festival |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Who Will Step Up? (feat. Sipho Mchunu & Mandisa Dlanga) by Simón Wilson on Apple Music |date=2024-07-09 |url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/who-will-step-up-feat-sipho-mchunu-mandisa-dlanga/1750381193?i=1750381196 |access-date=2024-08-27 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Anton Mzimba murder == On the night of July 26, 2022, after months of threats, Anton Mzimba, was gunned down at his home in front of his family.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhengu |first=Cebelihle |title='Whispers of death threats': Game ranger Anton Mzimba was in danger, but insisted on doing his job |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/whispers-of-death-threats-game-ranger-anton-mzimba-was-in-danger-but-insisted-on-doing-his-job-20220728-2 |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref> The killers also shot Anton's wife in the stomach, and took shots at his children.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhengu |first=Cebelihle |title=Manhunt for 3 men who shot, killed ranger Anton Mzimba and wounded wife |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/manhunt-on-for-3-men-who-shot-killed-ranger-anton-mzimba-and-wounding-wife-20220728 |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref> Anton died on the way to the hospital due to his wounds. His wife made a full recovery. No one has been arrested for his murder as of August 27, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nuwer |first=Rachel |date=2022-08-16 |title=Killing of Ranger Protecting Rhinos Raises Fears for Conservation Efforts |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/16/science/poaching-ranger-murder-rhino.html |access-date=2024-08-02 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

Anton's murder occurred as the production of ''Rhino Man'' was nearing completion.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tjC_kMPic8 |title=Park ranger deaths: More than 100 wardens killed in South Africa |date=2022-10-11 |last=Al Jazeera English |access-date=2024-08-26 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The GCC team organized a fundraiser to support his family and future conservation education opportunities by creating the Anton Mzimba Education Trust (AMET).<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLemore |first=Andrew |date=2022-08-02 |title=In Wake of Murder, Group Seeks Aid for Family of Slain Wildlife Ranger |url=https://gearjunkie.com/outdoor/anton-mzimba-african-wildlife-ranger-fundraiser |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=GearJunkie |language=en-US}}</ref>

Following this event, ''Rhino Man'' gained the attention of Prince William, Prince of Wales, who previously spoke with Anton in November 2021.<ref name="auto">{{Cite magazine |last=Vanderhoof |first=Erin |date=2023-06-14 |title=Prince William Honors a Slain Wildlife Ranger During a Rare Engagement With His Aunt Sophie |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/06/prince-william-engagement-with-his-aunt-sophie |access-date=2024-08-27 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}}</ref> Eight months later, when Anton was murdered, Prince William tweeted, ''"I'm deeply saddened to learn of the killing of Anton Mzimba who I spoke to in November...Those responsible must swiftly be brought to justice."''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raiken |first=Amber |date=5 Aug 2022 |title=Prince William shares emotional tribute to wildlife ranger killed in South Africa |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/prince-william-wildelife-ranger-death-b2139162.html |work=Independent}}</ref> Soon after John Jurko II and Matt Lindenberg were invited to the United for Wildlife Global Summit in London, where they spoke about the loss of Anton and his story encapsulated within the movie.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prince William Remembers 'Much-Missed' Queen Elizabeth in First Speech as Prince of Wales |url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-first-speech-prince-of-wales-united-for-wildlife-global-summit/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}</ref>

== Premieres == ''Rhino Man'' had its world premiere at a private screening with Prince William of Wales and Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh hosted by the Prince's organization United for Wildlife, a program of The Royal Foundation.<ref name="auto" /> This took place on June 13, 2023 at the Cinema in the Battersea Power Station, London to an audience of 150 officials from finance, transportation, law enforcement, and NGOs working together to combat illegal wildlife trade.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2023 |title=The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Edinburgh attend screening of documentary film RHINO MAN |url=https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2023-06-14/the-prince-of-wales-and-the-duchess-of-edinburgh-attend-screening-of |website=The Royal Family}}</ref> Orlat Ndlovu, who took Anton Mzimba's place as the Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, spoke to the audience about the loss of Anton and the continued efforts of the rangers in the face of threats to their lives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Sophie |date=2023-06-13 |title=The Prince of Wales celebrates wildlife rangers at special screening of documentary film RHINO MAN |url=https://royalfoundation.com/the-prince-of-wales-celebrates-wildlife-rangers-at-special-screening-of-documentary-film-rhino-man/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Royal Foundation |language=en-GB}}</ref>

On the 25th of September 2023, ''Rhino Man'' hosted a pre-release screening at the 2023 Jackson Wild Media Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pre-release Screening: RHINO MAN |url=https://app.swapcard.com/widget/event/2023-jackson-wild-summit/planning/UGxhbm5pbmdfMTQ0MzIyOQ== |website=Swap Card}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=linzettacalitz |date=2023-09-06 |title='Rhino Man' brings Lowveld rangers' daily battle to the world |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/lowvelder/news-headlines/2023/09/06/rhino-man-brings-lowveld-rangers-daily-battle-to-the-world/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Lowvelder |language=en-US}}</ref> The film was also selected as a finalist in the categories of Conservation Long - Form and People & Nature.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Media Awards |url=https://www.jacksonwild.org/2023-media-awards |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Jackson Wild |language=en-US}}</ref>

On the 2nd of March 2024, ''Rhino Man'' had its festival premiere at the Boulder International Film Festival at the Adventure Pavilion in Grace Commons church.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Boulder International Film Festival |url=https://biff2024.eventive.org/schedule/65c3d82cf807ec09baeeae47 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=biff2024.eventive.org}}</ref>

The ''Rhino Man'' team organized a four-city international premiere tour with the rangers starting in Hoedspruit, South Africa on the 13th of June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=newsherald |date=2024-06-20 |title=New film honours Mzimba's life |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/letaba-herald/news-headlines/local-news/2024/06/20/new-film-honours-mzimbas-life/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=Letaba Herald |language=en-US}}</ref> They continued on to present at screenings in NYC, Toronto, and Atlanta.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Film About Murdered Wildlife Ranger Whose Story Moved Prince William Released on Anniversary of Death (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/rhino-man-movie-moved-prince-william-gets-streaming-release-8682677 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}</ref>

''Rhino Man'' released on Apple TV, Google Play, and Vimeo on Demand on the 26th of July 2024 to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the death of Anton Mzimba. One week later on the 2nd of August 2024, ''Rhino Man'' was released on Amazon Prime Video to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of the death of Martin Mthembu.<ref>{{Cite web |last=newsherald |date=2024-06-20 |title=New film honours Mzimba's life |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/letaba-herald/news-headlines/local-news/2024/06/20/new-film-honours-mzimbas-life/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Letaba Herald |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ghai |first=Rajat |date=2024-07-31 |title=World Ranger Day 2024: 'Rhino Man' details dangers faced by these wildlife protectors at every instant |url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/world-ranger-day-2024-rhinoman-details-dangers-faced-by-these-wildlife-protectors-at-every-instant |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Down To Earth |language=en}}</ref>

== Awards and nominations == * 2024 - Wildscreen: Nominated for a Panda Award in the Impact Category<ref>{{Cite web |last=Irons |first=Hazel |date=2024-08-08 |title=Wildscreen Panda Awards 2024 Nominees Revealed |url=https://wildscreen.org/wildscreen-panda-awards-2024-nominees-revealed/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Wildscreen |language=en-US}}</ref> * 2024 - New Media Film Festival: Winner of Best Socially Responsible Film<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Susan |date=2024-06-07 |title=2024 Winners Revealed for 15th New Media Film Festival Los Angeles |url=https://www.newmediafilmfestival.com/2024-winners-revealed-for-15th-new-media-film-festival-los-angeles/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=New Media Film Festival |language=en-US}}</ref> * 2024 - Arizona International Film Festival: Winner of Special Jury Award for Activist Filmmaking<ref>{{Cite web |title=Awards 2024 {{!}} Arizona International Film Festival |url=https://www.filmfestivalarizona.com/index.php?pg=70 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.filmfestivalarizona.com}}</ref> * 2024 - Memorial Maria Luísa International Nature Photo and Video Contest: Winner of Best Environmental Documentary<ref>{{Cite web |title=Memorial María Luisa - Certamen Internacional de Fotografía y Video de Montaña, Naturaleza y Aventura |url=https://www.memorialmarialuisa.com/edicion34.php |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.memorialmarialuisa.com}}</ref> * 2023 - Jackson Wild Media Awards: Finalist in categories of Conservation Long - Form and People & Nature<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Media Awards |url=https://www.jacksonwild.org/2023-media-awards |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Jackson Wild |language=en-US}}</ref> * 2023 - African Conservation Awards: Winner of Best Conservation Supporter<ref>{{Cite web |last=Africa |first=Love |title=African Conservation Awards - 2023 Winners |url=https://www.conservationawards.africa/2023-winners.html |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=African Conservation Awards |language=en-gb}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * [https://rhinomanthemovie.org/ Official Website] * {{IMDb title|8584728|Rhino Man}} * [https://rhinomanthemovie.org/podcast/ The Rhino Man Podcast] * [https://globalconservationcorps.org/ Global Conservation Corps]

Category:2024 films Category:Documentary films about South Africa Category:South African crime films Category:Documentary films about mammals Category:Documentary films about animal cruelty Category:Films about animal rights Category:Films set in South Africa Category:Films about rhinoceroses Category:2024 South African films Category:2024 documentary films Category:South African documentary films