Stephanie Linus Daily

Author: stephanielinusdaily

Great News Canada! DRY Will Be Showing at the Montreal Black Film Festival This September!

Ever since I conceived the idea of making a world class movie about Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) and other issues faced by child brides, I dreamed that this movie would be shown in different cinemas, theaters and locations across the world. I’m so glad that dream is finally coming true.

After a private screening in Wales -UK, a screening at the Bentonville Film Festival in USA, two premieres and nationwide cinema release in Nigeria, DRY will be showing in Montreal, Canada this September!

The location is the Montreal International Black Film Festival, a dynamic, innovative and audacious festival whose ambition is to promote the development of the independent film industry and to showcase more films on the realities of Blacks from around the world.

The festival would take place from September 29th to October 4th. However, DRY will be showing on Wednesday 30th September 2015. For more information, please CLICK HERE

So, to everyone living in Canada or who will be in Canada during this period, do come out and watch this film. I want as many people around the world as possible to understand the plight faced by girls and women with VVF. This way, more and more people can demand feasible solutions, policies and practices that protects the girl child.

I hope to see you there!

September 12, 2015
Throwback Thursday: Photos from the Abuja Premiere of DRY

Last month, my team and I hosted some guests to the Abuja premiere of DRY. The guests comprised of people who have supported the movie and believe in its cause, movie enthusiasts, journalists and much more.

I sincerely apologize for bringing you photos from the event so late *covers face*.

Dignitaries and guests who attended included World Bank’s Vice President & Treasurer Arunma Oteh OON; Senator Ben Murray Bruce; the Kenyan Ambassador to Nigeria Thomas Amolo; USAID’s Acting Mission Director Matt Burton; Program Officer, Advancing Public Service Media (West Africa) of Ford Foundation Paul Nwulu; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health Dr Linus Awute represented by the Director/Head of Department of Family Health Mr Wapada Balami & Country Project Manager Engender Health/USAID Fistula Care Plus Project in Nigeria, Dr Habib Sadauki.

Also present were Charly Boy, Charles Novia and some cast members of DRY including Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge, Hauwa Maina, Paul Sambo, Anna Tanko as well as representatives from the World Bank and AIR Peace. The event took place on Thursday 13th August at the Silverbird Cinema.

I’m very grateful to everyone who showed up for the event and who lent their support in one way or the other. Your kindness is well appreciated.

DRY is still showing in cinemas nationwide. Go watch it and let me know what you think about the movie.

PHOTOS

September 10, 2015
DRY: Your Words, Your Tweets… What they mean to me.

A Twitter user who goes by the username @siendoAmor recently tweeted the photo above at me. This was a picture she took of the screen at the cinema where she went to watch DRY along with four of her friends on a Friday Night. In her tweet, she said the movie was ‘Educative’. I do not only appreciate her kind words, but the photo especially.

Since DRY was released in the nationwide cinemas last month, I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of responses I’ve gotten from fans on social media, and believe me, everyone of them has been encouraging.

Here are a few of them:

Hy peepz BIkO go see this ‘dry’ movie by @stephanieLinus. I got short of words afta seeing.This is not a 9jaran movie pic.twitter.com/wNgDbcaaHt — hot iys (@IYS_incredible) September 4, 2015

If there any movie dat worth spending your last KOBo on, @themovieDry is by @StephanieLinus. Mehn Stephanie u are a beast in d Game. Bless

— hot iys (@IYS_incredible) September 4, 2015

@StephanieLinus No one else can do it better#DRY — Amevi David (@Amevidavidlive) August 31, 2015

The movie #Drymovie by @StephanieLinus is very interesting..a must watch for every1!

@StephanieLinus you have always bin great in acting, now production/directing. DRY is the title, but the Content is RICH!!!!!! Keep it up!!! — BennyCapricorn (@BennyCapricorn) August 31, 2015

@stephanielinus I was just Wowed when I saw the #movie dry. #Perfect cast, gr8 movie… U inspire me a lot my mentor

— MaryAnn Eyam (@drealMaryAnn) August 29, 2015

@StephanieLinus Hello Stephanie, I appreciate your new movie #DRY , I believe its a very important movie. Thank you. — Christina O Fashanu (@OCFashanu) September 1, 2015

@segeboom @themoviedry @StephanieLinus and beyond biko.. it's undoubtedly an epic movie. Igo carry awards bam

— Patience Afful Scott (@Pamscottgh) August 25, 2015

I loved it too! DRY is an awesome movie. As entertaining as it is educating. You did GREAT @StephanieLinus 👍👍 https://t.co/ZOn0vIDZWm

— Saheed Akinloye (@Talk_Expert) August 29, 2015

@StephanieLinus 'Dry' is the movie to watch!!! It found its way down to the navel of my soul. Daalu olu!

— Obianuju (@Africanchique) August 29, 2015

@StephanieLinus After watching"Dry"my respect for you tripled.Every action&symbol was meaningful& formed a communication line.Thanks so much

— Bella (@mailbassey) August 29, 2015

I especially like it when people tell me the exact scene of the movie that touched them the most. It helps me understand the viewers better:

I like that Halima’s character wasn’t made to survive the ordeal..that’ll have been too typical of #nollywood @StephanieLinus #themovieDRY — Ify (@siendoAmor) August 29, 2015

Saw @StephanieLinus #dry at the cinema today.Amazing movie.I had teary eye when Halima was sent out into the rain and stoned in the market. — Babalola Michael T (@dmobfotography) September 1, 2015

Went to see @StephanieLinus #Dry. A good movie. Zara’s reaction on realizing Halima was her daughter on seeing Hadiza was good!🔥👏👏 👏 — Tomi Adesina (@tomi_adesina) September 1, 2015

I also love to read about the emotions it brings out in the viewers:

The movie “DRY” is a must watch @StephanieLinus kudos to you 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌and God bless you plenty 😇 I cried like a baby☺🙈 — ♠Kathryn♠ (@WennyB_3) August 30, 2015

@StephanieLinus ‘Dry’ made me cry,laugh, but most importantly,it made me resolve to STAND UP FOR A COURSE! — Goodness Kanong Paul (@GoodnesskPaul) August 30, 2015

But most importantly, it means a lot to me when the viewers get the message and it spurs them into action:

I watched #Dry today. Heartbreaking but the message was clear and well passed. Job well done @StephanieLinus . #ChildNotBride

— Uche (@uchezeakudo) August 26, 2015

U are a blessing to womanhood, DRY did not just enlightened me, it really opened my eyes. GOD bless u @StephanieLinus”

— Billy sax (@Billysax10) August 22, 2015

There are still loads of tweets and messages that I couldn’t include here, but I’m grateful for them all. DRY is still showing in cinemas nationwide. Go watch it if you haven’t and let me know what you think about the movie.

Have you watched DRY? What are your thoughts about the movie? I’d love to read them.

September 5, 2015
How Your ‘Little’ Idea Can Take You To Great Heights

In June this year, I met Her Majesty The Queen of England at the Buckingham Palace during the Queens Young Leaders Award.

Aside from the fact that I was very happy and humbled to meet her, I was even more touched by the number of Young Leaders from across the Commonwealth Nations who received their awards that night. It was because of them we were gathered that evening, to celebrate their selfless contributions to their societies.

Their stories were diverse and very touching, and it made me realise that no idea, no contribution to help improve others’ lives is too little. It doesn’t matter what it is you choose to do, just do it as long as it is positive and it impacts members of the society in a good way.

Isaiah, a winner from Nigeria, co-founded HACEY Health Initiative, which helps disadvantaged women and children to lead healthy lives. In 2012 HACEY launched Hands Up For Her, which promotes the rights of African girls.

Another winner from Nigeria, Nkechikwu grew up with close family members who have the hereditary blood disorder sickle cell anaemia. After witnessing the physical, mental and emotional challenges it can lead to, she set up The Sickle Cell Aid Foundation. The organisation encourages people to get tested to know their haemoglobin genotype, and has set up sickle cell clubs in schools to inform and educate young people about the condition.

In Uganda, Deo Sekandi did not know what was affecting his speech and mobility until he won a university scholarship and learnt that he had cerebral palsy. He now works for the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda and is very active in supporting young people with cerebral palsy. He aims to change negative attitudes towards disabled people.

I could go on and on about their amazing stories but I’m sure you already get my point. Nothing is too small.

All around us, there are opportunities for us to touch others positively. It’s time we start taking advantage of those opportunities.

Another opportunity is now open to award exceptional young people who’ve proved themselves to be inspiring leaders in their communities. To make sure you’re eligible for the Queen’s Young Leaders Award this year, CLICK HERE. The closing date for applications is 7th September 2015.

I wish you good luck!

September 4, 2015
I’ve Been Named The ‘STOP Violence Against Women In Elections’ Ambassador

I feel so elated and honoured to be the ambassador of the STOP Violence Against Women In Elections (VAWIE) Campaign. I am glad to stand for what it represents and with everything that I do, I do it with complete passion and belief. Belief in the fact that I don’t see limitations, but see possibilities.

On Tuesday September 1st, I was unveiled as the ambassador of this project at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The event was attended by the Acting INEC Chairman Hajiya Amina Zakari, the former Deputy Governor of Plateau state Mrs Pauline Tallen, the NDI Country Director Jasper Veen, the Team Leader of Democracy and Governance USAID Blair King, a representative of the Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase amongst others.

Stop-VAWIE (Violence Against Women In Elections) Campaign is a project that seeks to create public awareness on various forms of violence against women before, during and after elections in Nigeria, which often militates their active participation in the electoral process.

This project which is funded by the USAID is an initiative of the NDI in partnership with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). Ahead of the Kogi and Bayelsa gubernatorial elections, I will help in creating awareness around the project and elicit the support of different segments of society to report cases of violence against women and bring an end to this menace.

I pledge my full support, my voice and everything within my capacity to make sure that these issues are brought to light and to help educate people about this violence and see ways we can put an end to it so that we can have a better society for ourselves and the future generation.

Here are some photos from the event:

Giving my address

Unveiling the Stop VAWIE Logo

With representatives from the NDI & USAID

Chatting with a representative from the USAID

The Acting INEC Chairman Hajiya Amina Zakari giving her address

FIDA President Hauwa Shekarau, Acting INEC Chairman Hajiya Amina Zakari, my humble self & Mrs Ene Ede

Smiley!

The NDI Country Director Jasper Veen, a representative of the IG of Police Solomon Arase, my humble self, a representative from INEC, the Team Leader of Democracy and Governance USAID Blair King & the FIDA President Hauwa Shekarau

Chatting with the Acting INEC Chairman Hajiya Amina Zakari

With the FIDA President Hauwa Shekarau & the Acting INEC Chairman Hajiya Amina Zakari

With some beautiful women in the Police Force

With the Acting INEC Chairman Hajiya Amina Zakari

With the former Deputy Governor of Plateau state Mrs Pauline Tallen

September 3, 2015
DRY Is Now Showing In Cinemas Nationwide! See Movie Show Times

I’m so excited to share this news today!!! My movie ‘DRY‘ is now available in cinemas nationwide.

Making my film DRY has been a long burden placed in my heart by God! Like I always tell my Crew – this is God’s project… He gave me this burden … I have done my part and now it time for Him to finish it. We want this film to be impactful and be a catalyst for change – to change minds, laws and stereotypes or cultural practices that prevent us from moving forward as a nation.

And today, after hosting successful premieres in the UK, Lagos and Abuja, it is now open for everyone to go and watch in the cinemas.

So please go out and support this film because by watching and discussing about it, you are also contributing to helping the plights of these women who are voiceless.

You can watch it at any of the cinemas below:

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND
Dry : 12:50pm, 7:05pm, 9:00pm

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA
Dry : 12:50pm, 6:55pm, 9.00pm

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ABUJA
Dry : 12:20pm, 4:30pm, 6:40pm, 8:40pm

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT
Dry : 11:55am, 3:45pm

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, WARRI
Dry : 12:15pm, 4:10pm, 8:15pm

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO
Dry : 12:00pm, 2:10pm, 4:20pm, 6:30pm, 8:40pm

GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS
Dry : 5:25pm, 7:35pm,

GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT
Dry : 11:50am, 5:5opm,

GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU
Dry : 12:45pm, 7:20pm

FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, KANO
Dry : 11:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:15pm, 8:00pm

FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, APAPA
Dry : 3:25pm, 5:20pm, 7:15pm, 9:10pm

FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT
Dry : 12:00pm, 3:50pm, 6:00pm, 8:30pm

FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR
Dry : 10;10am, 12:10pm, 2:10pm, 4:10pm, 6:10pm, 8:10pm

VIVA CINEMAS ILORIN
Dry : 12:00pm, 5:25pm

VIVA CINEMAS IBADAN
Dry : 12:45pm, 4:15pm

KADA CINEMAS, BENIN
Dry : 11:00am, 3:15pm, 8:00pm

OZONE CINEMAS, YABA
Dry : 5:00pm, 9:20pm

VIVA CINEMAS ILORIN
Dry : 12:00pm,5:25pm

VIVA CINEMAS IBADAN
Dry : 12:45pm, 4:15pm

Go watch it and let me know what you think about the movie in the comment section below!

Love,

xo ️SL

August 14, 2015
It’s A New Day!

When you rise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to love!

A brand new week, a bright new day
May your angels guide you every step of the way
Bring you love and happiness
Keep your life calm
And most of all, protect you from harm

Life is full of beauty, notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.

Happy Monday!

August 10, 2015
Photos From My Genevieve Magazine Cover Shoot

I woke up this morning to see more precious photos from my recent Genevieve Magazine photo shoot and it really warmed my heart.

It brought a big smile to my face and I’m so grateful to God for his faithfulness.

I’ve been getting so many wonderful messages and feedback about these photos and I just want to say a big THANK YOU!!! You’ve been too kind with your warm wishes and I am so overwhelmed and so grateful.

Go grab your copy of the August Issue of Genevieve Magazine for more interesting pics and the full interview…. Love you all for your wonderful encouraging words. Your love, support and prayers. May God meet everyone in their area of need.

Big hugs and kisses!

Many thanks to TY Bello for this amazing pictures and Yummie for the very creative styling.

I’m very grateful to the Genevieve Magazine team for the lovely feature. God bless you all!!!

August 7, 2015
All The Exciting Photos from the DRY Movie Premiere in Lagos

I looked forward to the DRY Movie Premiere in Lagos for a long time, and I’m glad the day finally came and we had a very successful event.

On Sunday 2nd August 2015, movie industry enthusiasts, key stake holders and lots of guests gathered at the Silverbird Cinema in Victoria Island Lagos for the ‘DRY’ Movie Premiere.

The critically acclaimed movie had been long awaited by many who were excited to see the movie and gave it excellent reviews after watching it.

Written, produced and directed by my humble self, DRY is an inspired true story that follows a trail of Zara’s (played by me) trip to Africa, her constant turmoil as a result of inexplicable horrors from her child hood, her experiences and heartaches while working with young girls suffering from complications from early child birth as child brides, against the backdrop of a rich African culture. It is full of intrigue, suspense, unbelievable surprises, the joy of reconciliation and the power of the human spirit that is guaranteed to captivate and engage moviegoers.

I’m very grateful to everyone who turned up to give their support. You are all loved and appreciated and I thank you so much for coming. A big thank you goes to my husband Linus Idahosa, Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Sola Sobowale, Mo Abudu, Ruth Osime, Nkiru Anumudu, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Ray Kyles – British Deputy High Commissioner, Representatives from the Canadian Embassy, Representatives from the US Consulate amongst others.

The film stars: Darwin Shaw as Dr. Alex, the legendary Liz Benson Ameye as the Matron, Bill McNamara as Dr. Brown, and Introducing Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge as Halima the teenager who had to endure a life not designed for a child: to be married to a man who was more than four times her age. Produced by Next Page Productions, this film was supported by the Office of the special adviser to the president on MDGs Nigeria, Aberystwyth University Wales, Diamond Bank, Ford Foundation, Project Act Nollywood, USAID Acquired Fistula Project, Vlisco and more.

DRY will be available in Silverbird Cinemas nationwide from Friday 14th August 2015. Don’t miss it!

Here are some photos from the premiere:

Photo Credit: Dela Dee Innovations, 360nobs.com, Happenings.com.ng

August 6, 2015
Linus Idahosa Hosted by the Founding Father and Former President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda

The CEO of Del-York International, Linus Idahosa was recently hosted by the Founding Father and Former President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda as a guest at the former President’s residence in Lusaka, Zambia.

This was after the Press Briefing and official launch of Del-York International’s Creative Training Program in Lusaka, Zambia. Del-York has entered into a landmark partnership with the Government of Zambia and the Zambian National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) to build capacity for Zambia’s Creative Industry.

He was seen with key stakeholders and senior Government officials in Zambia, among who were, The Director General of the ZNBC Mr. Richard Mwanza; Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Vincent Mwale; Minister of Tourism Mrs. Jean Kapata; The Chairperson of the Zambian National Arts Council, Mrs. Mulenga Kapwepwe; Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia, Mrs. Sifamu Inu Umoru Momoh and the President of the Zambian International Trade and Investment Company (ZITIC) Mr. Sebastian Kopulande.

This September, Del-York Creative Academy will be selecting 250 of the most creative talents in Film and Media in Zambia for one of the most intensive one-month hands-on training programs anywhere in the world. In the Partnership, the Nations official broadcast agency, ZNBC will be sponsoring 50 of its staff for the training.

Mr. Linus in his address said, “The key factor behind India’s technological revolution were the training institutes it created, which churned out graduates with skills and competencies in IT; this equipped them to significantly contribute to the advancement of the IT industry, created “Brand India” whilst creating a new era of export and revenue growth.”

He said, “If Zambia is to fulfil its destiny as a film and media power house in Southern Africa, Zambia too needs a world class institution“.

In 5 years Del-York has successfully trained over 1,200 aspiring and professional filmmakers and media practitioners and flown in 72 lecturers from New York and Los Angeles into Nigeria.

CEO of Del-York International, Mr. Linus Idahosa and The Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia, Mrs Sifamu Inu Umoru Momoh heading for the Press briefing.

The President of the Zambian International Trade and Investment Company(ZITIC) Mr. Sebastian Kopulande acknowledging guests present at the Press briefing.

CEO of Del-York International, Linus Idahosa and founding father of Zambia and former president of Zambia President Kenneth Kaunda taking questions from the Press.

L-R. President of ZITIC,Mr. Sebastian Kopulande,CEO of Del-York, Mr. Linus Idahosa, Hon. Minister of Tourism Zambia, Mrs Jean Kapata, Deputy Minister of Tourism Zambia and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism at the Minister’s office.

Linus Idahosa and former President Kenneth Kaunda

CEO Del-York, Mr. Linus Idahosa and MD UBA Zambia Mr. Stanley Ugwueze

Linus Idahosa and former President Kenneth Kaunda

Mr. Linus Idahosa

Linus Idahosa addressing the Press Conference.

August 5, 2015