Clara Amfo shares her love for cinema as a form of ‘Big Screen Therapy’
Clara Amfo, the former Radio 1 DJ and TV presenter, has launched a campaign with Odeon cinemas to promote the mental health benefits of cinema, particularly during the challenging winter months, reports BritPanorama.
Amfo, who describes herself as not being a “winter person at all,” believes that film can provide respite from the seasonal gloom known as the “January blues.” Recent research highlights that many people are experiencing long-term emotional challenges, characterized by “quiet coping,” rather than a singular low point such as “Blue Monday.”
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the ways cinema can serve as a form of emotional therapy. Reflecting on her busy lifestyle, Amfo finds that films offer a crucial opportunity for decompression. “Sometimes you crave cheesy escapism,” she states, noting that encountering themes of struggle and healing in films can help viewers process their own experiences.
Amfo has been open about her past, revealing in a podcast interview last year that she is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. While she aims to be respectful in discussing her trauma, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging her experiences without letting them define her. She expressed frustration about the media’s sensationalism of her mental health struggles when she left Radio 1, insisting that while she has faced periods of depression, it should not overshadow her full narrative.
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Amfo recalls how her childhood favourite films, like Sister Act II and The Lion King, were impactful, particularly following her father’s death in 2015. She speaks about the significance of representation in cinema, highlighting the transformative power of seeing figures like Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill on screen.
Throughout her career, Amfo has both hosted and contributed to various media platforms, where she has explored pressing social issues, including racism and mental health. This journey has informed her appreciation for the cinema as a space of anonymity and shared experience. “I love the darkness of the cinema, and I do love the anonymity it offers,” she said, reflecting on how it creates a unique atmosphere that fosters connection without the pressure to interact.
As the winter months proceed, Amfo encourages individuals feeling socially drained to consider the option of attending films alone. She believes that taking this step can feel empowering and liberating, marking a personal milestone in embracing solitude within shared cultural experiences.
Amfo’s campaign underscores a growing attitude towards mental well-being and the comfort that shared spaces like cinemas can provide in turbulent times. “When you make that first adult decision: ‘You know what, I’m doing something by myself,’ it feels quite a nice milestone,” she concludes, championing the idea that embracing solitude can be a positive experience.
As she navigates the complexities of life and career, Amfo remains hopeful that her love for cinema will continue to uplift her during the darker seasons. “Escaping into films, music, TV, books, or just enjoying warming food, that’s my solace,” she remarks.
