The Healer is a powerful short film starring BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actor – Ariyon Bakare, Jason Buda, who broke through in ‘Bird’ and Christine Bottomley, (‘Sherwood’, ‘Domina’, ‘Back to Life’). Produced by Lee Mancini from Agility Films, Written by Trudy Williams and Directed by Will Jewell.
A STORY OF LOSS AND CONNECTION
Ever since the sudden death of his father, 16-year-old Jake is consumed by rage and grief and picking a fight with the world. As a last resort, his mother enrols him in equine-assisted therapy, where he meets Apollo – a therapy horse with his own scars. Through an unexpected connection, Jake begins a journey toward healing – but unfinished business from his past threatens to derail everything.
Inspired by true events, The Healer sheds light on the power of equine therapy and the resilience found in even the darkest moments.
Written by Trudy Williams and grounded in real research on equine-assisted therapy, The Healer highlights how horses – incredibly intuitive and emotional creatures, can reach troubled young people where words so often fail. Many therapy centers confirm that teenagers are their largest demographic, underscoring just how needed alternative interventions like these truly are.
Sadly, teenage mental health challenges and male suicide are at an all-time high. Through Jake’s journey, this film hopes to spark conversations, raise awareness, and show that hope is possible even after devastating loss.