S.O.U.L FEST 2025: Championing tough narratives in Black communities globally
- Caro Sika
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 12
S.O.U.L FEST brings unseen Black emotional journeys to the Big Screen with excitement and passion!
From gentrification, systemic oppression, mixed-race relationships, racial prejudice, the tragic death toll of young Black men, mental health, through to adoption, sperm donors, infertility and fibroids, the themes of S.O.U.L FEST Seventh Edition, in partnership with the ABFF (American Black Film Festival), were as authentic and impactful as can be. With vivid imagery that tugs at every heartstring, each short film sparked conversations that Black communities rarely engage in collectively.
The messages were powerful, illuminating hidden corners of our shared experiences. They revealed our vulnerabilities, yet did so with dignity. The S.O.U.L. FEST Craft Award Winner 2025, Yinka Edwards, Director of Photography for MANGO exemplified the dedication to portraying struggles with dignity, ensuring "every Black woman glows." as shared by film director Joan Iyiola in her award winning speech.
MANGO, inspired by the filmmaker's personal journey, also clinched the Best Film Award and Best Actor Award, with actress Olivia Nakintu delivering a stunning performance as Florist Zadie. Forced to suffer in silence from fibroids the size of "a mango," she faces her condition and pain alone. Film Director Joan Iyiola shared, upon receiving the Best Film Award, that her fortunes changed when she met a Black female doctor who journeyed her to full healing, leading to her ability to conceive. "This film is personal and political. MANGO aims to be a rare depiction of the female experience on screen. I hope it contributes to reducing the number of women suffering in silence," she expressed in a previous press release. This movie would also resonate with a rising Black female collective consciousness, supported by scientific research, denouncing toxic hair products and relaxers that increase cancer and fibroid risks. In the US alone, since 2020, thousands of Black women have filed lawsuits against market leaders.
Another emotional masterpiece was Highway to the Moon, directed by Leticia Wright in her filmmaking debut. "I am my brother's keeper" is the mantra. It highlights the alarming death toll of young Black men through homicide, where perpetrators become victims, perpetuating this diabolical cycle. In the US, homicide is the leading cause of death for Black males aged 15-34, with a rate 12.9 times higher than that for White males. In England and Wales, Black people are four times more likely to be murdered than White people.
Leticia Wright received the best director's award. The cinematography was magnificent, with powerful performances from lead actor Kenyah Sandy, with whom Leticia Wright had previously collaborated on the TV show "Small Axe" by Oscar-winning "12 Years a Slave" British Film Director, Steve McQueen.
Him and I by Director Jason C. Nwachukwu also beautifully portrays the love of a teenage boy for the woman who nurtured and raised him, although adopted.
An exciting and innovative feature of the festival was the 'We See You' Special Award, won by film director Nana Duncan for the short The Donor which captures the emotional turmoil of a queer couple choosing to turn to a male sperm donor to conceive a child naturally. Actress Geneis Lynea, starring as Eve, is pushed to her limits as she confronts her true desires.
S.O.U.L. Fest is a vibrant European spin-off of the American Black Film Festival, celebrating Black Film and TV talent both behind and in front of the camera. It is realized as a collaboration between three organizations that serve Black audiences and talent.
The British Blacklist is a media platform celebrating the work of UK-based Black creatives and those from the wider Diaspora across Screen, Stage, Literature, and Sound.
We Are Parable specializes in film exhibition and believes in the storytelling power of events to enhance the cinema-going experience.
S.O.U.L. Film is a platform with the mission to diversify the British film and TV industry by celebrating and connecting BAME filmmakers and audiences.
S.O.U.L FEST 2025 was a rich and inspiring experience, and I hope it will continue to expand geographically and linguistically, embracing all Black diasporic expressions. Wouldn't it be great to see another spin-off in France, Switzerland or again Portugal?
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