Author
SOMTOO ARINZE-UMOBI, PhD
Abstract
Nollywood horror films use fear as a canvas to explore complex themes like tradition,
modernity, and spirituality, revealing societal taboos and cultural anxieties. By applying
Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, this study analyses how fear is constructed
psychologically and culturally in two films: The Origin: Madam Koi Koi (2023) and Living
in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019). Through qualitative research, this study examines the
imagery, symbolism, and narrative structure of these films to uncover hidden messages. The
goal is to understand how Nollywood horror films reflect the collective unconscious mind
and influence human thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Ultimately, this research highlights
the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the media-psychologyculture nexus and recommends awareness of the unconscious themes and symbolism in
Nollywood horror films.
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