Film can even be used by Nigeria's Correctional Institution to rehabilitate convicted offenders

Abstract

The overcrowding, underfunding, and high recidivism rates of Nigeria's correctional system highlight the need for creative rehabilitation techniques. The potential of films, particularly Nollywood productions, as a tool for the social and psychological rehabilitation of Nigerian convicted criminals is examined in this study. Peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and case studies about media effects, criminal rehabilitation, and cinematic therapy were subjected to a qualitative topic analysis. Five main themes emerged from the data's inductive coding. Research indicates that films lessen stigma by humanising criminals, promote identity reconstruction by telling stories of redemption, help regulate emotions through catharsis, allow behavioural modelling through relevant characters, and promote reintegration through exposure to real-life stories. The study comes to the conclusion that films provide a cost-effective and culturally relevant addition to modern activities. Scheduled movie screenings, staff training, guided conversations, and Nollywood partnerships can all assist lower recidivism and enhance rehabilitation results.