Chloe Abrahams is a Sri Lankan-British artist and filmmaker whose debut non-fiction film, “The Taste of Mango”, premiered at True/False 2023, where it was ranked the #1 film by Sight & Sound. The film received critical acclaim, winning the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the BFI London Film Festival and the BIFA for Best Debut Director – Feature Documentary.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Chloe discusses her inspiration that led to making the documentary, role of art and storytelling in breaking cultural taboos and much more.
What inspired you to create ‘The Taste of Mango’, and how did you decide to explore the relationships between three generations of women in your family?
It all began with a deep desire to reconnect with my maternal grandmother, someone I didn’t have a relationship with. All I could sense was the lingering resentment and frustration my mother carried from years of trying to convince her to leave Sri Lanka and join us in the UK—a move my grandmother never wanted to make. Around the same time, my paternal grandmother had passed away, leaving my mom's mother as my last living grandparent. I was in my early twenties, a time when I was introspective, trying to understand myself and my roots. I realised that part of that journey required looking back through generations and addressing any lingering wounds. It felt like something I was meant to do—a calling to heal and rediscover.
What role do you think films like yours play in fostering conversations around abuse, particularly within South Asian or immigrant communities where such topics are often stigmatised?
I believe part of the reason these topics are so heavily stigmatised is that we don’t hear enough voices or see enough examples of people in similar situations openly addressing them. Sometimes, all it takes is a few role models or success stories to inspire change. That’s what my mom and I hoped to achieve—to show others that we’ve navigated this journey, and maybe, just maybe, it’s okay for them to take that step too. Through this film, I hope to encourage people who feel burdened by unspoken issues to start those difficult conversations within their families. It’s possible to address these matters in a way that doesn’t lead to broken relationships but instead fosters understanding and love. There’s a way to stand up for what’s weighing on you while preserving the bonds that matter most.
What do you believe is the role of art and storytelling in breaking cultural taboos around difficult subjects like these?
I believe film—both documentary and fiction—is an incredibly powerful tool. It allows audiences to step into perspectives and experiences they may never have considered before, encouraging them to imagine a different way of life. Imagination, I think, is a profound force—it can provide an escape from difficult situations and open the door to new possibilities. The ability to transport yourself, even momentarily, can spark hope and change. Art and film, in particular, have a unique capacity to inspire and support people navigating challenges, making them invaluable mediums for empathy and transformation.
Did you have concerns about how your family members would feel about their lives being portrayed on screen? How did they respond to the idea?
My mom has always been open about her story, standing up for what she believes is right. She has wanted to share her journey for a long time, so she was genuinely excited to collaborate with me on this project. My grandma, too, loved spending time with me and was eager to take part. She enjoyed talking about her life, often sharing stories at length. However, there were certain aspects she was clear about not wanting to include in the film, and we were more than happy to respect her wishes, focusing on a small, specific part of her story.
Of course, I was concerned. It’s such a deeply personal and difficult subject for all three of us. Beyond that, I found myself particularly anxious about how the wider family would perceive it. In South Asian cultures, there’s often a strong expectation to keep family issues private and to present a perfect image to the world. We were all a little apprehensive about how our extended family would react.
Even now, when a family member attends a screening, I feel nervous. But time and again, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Instead of judgment, they’ve expressed gratitude and support, often saying this is a story that deserves to be told and shouldn’t remain hidden. It’s been incredibly validating and heartwarming to see their reactions.
