New Executive Producer Joins Joan Iyiola’s ‘Mango’
EXCLUSIVE: Wunmi Mosaku, celebrated for her role in Sinners and currently listed on the BAFTA Film Award longlist, has taken on the role of executive producer for Joan Iyiola’s debut short film Mango. This live-action body horror film is making its way to Disney+ viewers across Europe.
Joan Iyiola, who both wrote and directed Mango, presents a gripping narrative in her first outing as a director. The film centers around Zadie, a flourishing florist in London who is battling with fibroids—noncancerous growths within the uterine walls. Medical professionals attempt to reassure her with phrases like “It’s very common for women like you” and “don’t worry, you’ll be fine.” However, Zadie struggles to find a way to manage her transforming body as the fibroids threaten to dominate her life.
Olivia Nakintu stars as Zadie, with additional performances by Danny Sapani playing the role of her father and Paul Chahidi portraying a medical professional. The film’s release on streaming platforms follows its premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February.
Director’s Personal Connection and Broader Impact
Joan Iyiola, who previously captured the HBO Short Film Award for Dọlápọ̀ Is Fine, has openly discussed her personal battles with fibroids, including in a recent Vogue feature. Prominent figures such as Lupita Nyong’o and Venus Williams, among others, have also raised public awareness about this condition, which impacts millions of women globally.
Wunmi Mosaku expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Mango is a visceral and urgently needed film. Joan Iyiola turns the long-dismissed reality of women’s experiences with fibroids into a poetic and powerful story. Her voice is striking, full of bravery and humanity. I’m honored to support this award-winning film as it reaches a wider audience and helps transform how we understand fibroids worldwide.”
Joan Iyiola welcomed Mosaku’s involvement, remarking, “We are honored to have Mango supported by Wunmi Mosaku. Her belief in the film and advocacy as it reaches wider audiences are incredibly powerful, affirming our mission to seek change for women suffering with fibroids.”
Apatan Productions, co-founded by Iyiola, joined forces with Salaud Morisset for the production of the film. Mosaku joins a team of executive producers including Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, Thomas Hawkins, Elisabeth Hopper, Joe Bell, and Dr. Christine Ekechi.
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