Wunmi Mosaku Joins Short Film ‘Mango’ As Executive Producer As Joan Iyiola’s Body Horror Launches On Disney+
EXCLUSIVE: Wunmi Mosaku has joined Joan Iyola’s short film Mango as an executive producer. The star, who is on the BAFTA Film Award longlist for her role in Sinners, has come on board the live-action body horror as it launches on Disney+ across Europe.
Written and directed by Iyiola in her directorial debut, the film follows Zadie, a successful London florist suffering from fibroids, benign tumors that can develop in the wall of the uterus. The medical experts tell her: “It’s very common for women like you” and “don’t worry, you’ll be fine.” But as Zadie searches for help to control her morphing body, the unwanted growths threaten to take over.
Olivia Nakintu (Better) plays Zadie. The cast also includes Danny Sapani (Black Panther) as Zadie’s father and Paul Chahidi (The Night Manager 2) as a medical professional. The film drops on streaming after premiering at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February.
Iyiola, winner of HBO Short Film Award for Dọlápọ̀ Is Fine, recently shared her experience of fibroids in a Vogue article. Lupita Nyong’o, tennis superstar Venus Williams, and other women in the public eye have also spoken about their personal experiences of fibroids, which affect millions of women worldwide.
“Mango is a visceral and urgently needed film,” Mosaku said. “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.”
“We are honored to have Mango supported by Wunmi Mosaku,” Iyiola said. “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, produces with Salaud Morisset. Mosaku becomes an EP alongside Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor (Dreamers) Tom Hawkins (Animol), Elisabeth Hopper (Netflix Talent Fund), Joe Bell (Dolapo is Fine) and Dr. Christine Ekechi.
