Journal of Development Communication And Applied Theatre

Cinematherapy has emerged as a powerful psychotherapeutic approach that harnesses the emotional and narrative potency of film to promote healing and mental well-being. This study explores the therapeutic potential of two Nigerian films; Eze-Odometa’s The Therapist and Diana Child’s Flaws, which poignantly engage with trauma, domestic abuse, and emotional recovery. Despite the increasing awareness of mental health challenges in Nigeria, there remains limited scholarly engagement with film as a therapeutic medium. The problem therefore lies in the underexploration of how Nigerian cinematic narratives can serve as tools for psychological healing and mental health advocacy. The study evaluates how The Therapist and Flaws exemplify cinematherapy by facilitating emotional resonance, self-reflection, and catharsis among viewers, thereby contributing to mental wellness and societal awareness. The research focuses on Nigerian films that thematically address trauma and recovery, examining how indigenous storytelling practices intersect with therapeutic principles to promote emotional resilience. Guided by Narrative Therapy Theory, the study interprets filmic storytelling as a process through which individuals can externalise pain, reconstruct meaning, and re-author their emotional experiences. A qualitative content analysis and interpretive approach are employed, analysing characterisation, dialogue, and visual motifs that evoke psychological healing. The study concludes that Nigerian cinema, through its rich emotional narratives, functions as a potent medium for psychosocial recovery, resilience, and mental health advocacy, reinforcing the transformative power of storytelling. 

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