The British-Nigerian filmmaker’s debut claimed three major awards at the London festival.
Mango, the directorial debut of British-Nigerian filmmaker Joan Iyiola, was among the biggest winners at the S.O.U.L Fest x ABFF Global London 2025, held from August 28 to 31 in London.
The film earned three major honors: Best Film, Best Director of Photography, and Best Performer for lead actress Olivia Nakintu.
Co-founded by S.O.U.L Film UK, The British Black List, and We Are Parable, the festival featured Mango’s UK premiere. The film follows florist Zadie, who hides her struggles with fibroids while chasing her dream job. As her condition worsens, she seeks help, confronting the ways her body and life are changing.
Inspired by Iyiola’s personal journey with fibroids, the film offers a rare portrayal of women navigating similar health challenges. Produced by Apata Productions, Mango stars Olivia Nakintu, Shvorne Marks, and Catherine Rowney. Iyiola wrote and directed the film and co-produced it with Mary Iyiola, Laura Jamel, and Alison Holder. Apata Productions is also behind Dolapo Is Fine, now streaming on HBO Max and Disney Plus.
This year’s S.O.U.L Fest, a BAFTA-qualifying event celebrating Black British excellence in film and television, opened with 40 Acres and included special screenings such as Andy Mundy-Castle’s Shoot the People, spotlighting Oscar-nominated photographer and activist Misan Harriman. Other titles included Zoey Martinson’s The Fisherman.
Before the festival, Iyiola discussed her fibroid journey with British Vogue. The film also had a special screening at the British Film Institute in August.