Stephanie Linus Daily

Tag: Liz Benson Ameye

Vice President of Gambia Isatou Njie-Saidy, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) host ‘DRY’ in Gambia

Hey lovelies,

I trust you’ve been having a great day so far!

So, my award winning movie, DRY, recently made a debut in Gambia with a well-attended screening during the African Youth Summit Banjul Plus 10. The movie was not only well received and greeted with a standing ovation afterwards, but was lauded by all and further opened up the conversation around maternal health care and Fistula in Africa.

The audience was made up of distinguished personalities including the Vice President of Gambia, Dr Isatou Njie Saidy; UNFPA Regional Director for West & Central Africa, Mr Mabingue Ngom; Assistant Minister for Youth Liberia, Ms. Kula Fonfana and many others.

The summit was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to capture the creative, innovative and pro-active voices of African youth and utilize these voices as a tool to encourage decision makers to address the myriad issues young people on the continent face. It focused on discussions around reinforcing implementation of the policy frameworks in Africa and their pivotal role in harnessing the youth potentials to attain the Demographic Dividend and Africa’s inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Inspired by the true story of a young girl living with Vesico Vaginal Fistula, DRY features Darwin Shaw as Dr. Alex, the legendary Liz Benson Ameye as the Matron and Bill McNamara as Dr. Brown. The movie also stars Zubaida Ibrahim 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.

This screening comes just a few weeks after the DRY premiere in Zambia which was attended by the Zambian First Lady, Mrs Esther Lungu.

DRY is currently on an African tour and will be showing in other countries in the coming weeks.

PHOTOS:

Mrs Victoria Ginja, Resident Rep. of the World Food Programme in The Gambia, Stephanie Linus & Ms. Kula Fonfana, Assistant Youth Minister, Liberia

Chief, Non Core Funds, UNFPA, Demola Olajide & Head of Office, UNFPA Gambia, Kunle Adeniyi

Vice President of Gambia, Dr Isatou Njie Saidy

Mrs Victoria Ginja, Resident Rep. of the World Food Programme in The Gambia, Stephanie Linus & Ms. Kula Fonfana, Assistant Youth Minister, Liberia

SA to the Executive Director, UNFPA, Niyi Ojuolape; Cecilia Senghore of UNDP & Kunle Adeniyi

Chief, Non Core Founds, UNFPA, Demola Olajide

Mr Mabingue Ngom, Regional Director for West & Central Africa, UNFPA

Ambassador Kaloko, representative of the African Union

Ambassador of Sierra Leone to The Gambia H.E. Mr Soulayman Daramy

June 2, 2016
‘DRY’ Selected for Screening At The 24th Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) In Los Angeles, California

I am so glad that DRY has been selected to screen at the 24th Pan African Film Festival. One of the dreams I had while making this movie is that it would be seen on several platforms across the world and that dream is coming to life.

After screening around the world, drawing attention while shining light on controversy and receiving acknowledgement from world leaders, ‘DRY’ has been selected to screen at the largest and most prestigious black film festival in America – the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF). Also called the quintessential Black festival, PAFF is the largest event during Black History Month, celebrated in the U.S. every February and is scheduled to take place from February 4th –15th in Los Angeles.

‘DRY’ will be screened on Sunday, February 7th, Saturday, February 13th and Monday, February 15th. For more information on times and location, please visit www.PAFF.org

‘DRY’ is critically acclaimed inspired true story that depicts the life of two young girls living as child brides in West Africa. The movie focuses on child marriage and Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), journeying into the heart-wrenching details of a culture not too many films dare to explore. The film stars my humble self as Dr Zara, 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.

For more on the movie, please follow:
www.facebook.com/themoviedry
www.twitter.com/themoviedry
www.instagram.com/themoviedry

Watch the trailer below:

January 29, 2016
DRY Will Be Showing In Nigerian Cinemas Nationwide from August 14th!

After a successful screening debut in Wales, UK, the critically acclaimed movie ‘DRY’ will premiere nationwide in Nigeria beginning August 14th, 2015.

Produced, directed, and starring my humble self, the film 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.

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, Vlisco and more.

Also starring in the film are Olu Jacobs, Tijjani Faraga, Hauwa Maina, Rahama Hassan, Rekiya Attah, Hakeem Hassan and Afamefuna Klint Igwemba (aka Klint da drunk). The production’s creative team includes director of photography, Angel Barroeta, executive producer, Linus Idahosa, co-produced by Jane Lawalata with Akanimo Odon and Murtza Ali Ghaznavi as line producers and Chinedu Omorie as first assistant.

“Dry journeys into heart-wrenching details of a culture not too many films dare to explore. The issue might seem controversial, but if it will set one girl free and open the minds of the people, and encourage us all to take action, then the movie would have served its purpose.” – Stephanie Linus, Writer, Director & Producer.

So SL Fabz, save the date. From Friday August 14th 2015, you can head over to the Cinema near you and watch DRY!

xoxo

SL

July 28, 2015
WIN 2 Tickets to the DRY Movie Premiere in Lagos on 2nd August!

Hi dearies!

I hope you’ve had a lovely week.

I know the official announcement has not yet been made, but I love to share things here with you my faithful readers first and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

Finally, DRY is going to be showing in cinemas across Nigeria and you’ll get a chance to see my latest work! I’m so excited!! From Friday 14th August, DRY will be showing at Silverbird Cinemas across Nigeria. So if you live in any of these cities: Lagos, Abuja, Portharcourt, Ilorin, AkwaIbom and Kano – you can watch the movie at the cinemas very soon.

But before the nationwide release, Next Page Productions will be hosting a movie premiere in Lagos to launch it to the general public and I’d love to see you there! Yes, YOU!

I’d be giving out two free tickets to the movie premiere which will take place on Sunday 2nd August 2015 at the Silverbird Cinemas, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. To make this more interesting, one person will win two tickets so you can have fun with that special someone at the movie premiere.

To win, answer these questions correctly in the comment section below:

1. What is the name of my character in the movie?

2. What major cultural practice does DRY speak against?

3. DRY was shot in two countries. Name them.

PLEASE NOTE: Answer the questions below in the comment section and not on the Facebook Page or Facebook Comments below. Put in your phone number, email address and location also. It will be edited before being published. If you put your phone number on the facebook page or facebook comment section, I won’t be able to edit it and I don’t want any dubious people calling you about fake wins. This is very important.

This could also be a chance for me to walk the red carpet with you and to meet some of my fans! So, if you think you know the answers to the questions above, put them in the comment section and maybe you could be the lucky winner.

The movie premiere will also be attended by other stars in the movie such as Liz Benson-Ameye, Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge and many more. This would be fun!

I can’t wait to read your answers.

July 25, 2015
#MeetTheDRYStars: Liz Benson-Ameye & Rekiya Atta

I was privileged to have some seasoned actors with me for the production of DRY and I do not take this for granted in anyway. They brought their wealth of experience and skills to the set of the movie and made it such a pleasant experience.

It was a honour to work with two amazing women – Liz Benson-Ameye and Rekiya Atta.

Liz Benson-Ameye needs no introduction. Her journey to stardom began when she appeared on the set of the popular television soap opera, Fortunes in 1993 and since then, she has been a darling of the screen. She played the role of Matron in the movie, a woman who had so much passion for helping other women suffering from VVF. You could see her passion shine through the screen and watching her made me realize it wasn’t just acting, she is truly a good spirited woman.

You might not know Rekiaya Atta if you are only used to the ‘new Nollywood’, but she is one woman who was a great source of inspiration to my acting career. She was one of the early Nollywood actors bringing fond memories of films like Across The Niger, Battle of Love, Keeping Faith, Laraba, and Amina plus soap operas like, Behind the Clouds and Ripples. She aslo worked on the formative kiddies NTA television drama entitled ‘Tales by Moonlight’, I’m sure most of you would remember that.

Rekiaya played the role of Sani’s mother in the movie. Unlike Liz who was compassionate towards Halima who had VVF, she did the opposite and was harsh towards her. She is someone you’d definitely love to see in the movie so get ready to watch her on the big screen DRY premieres around you soon. You’d really love her professionalism.

December 20, 2014
Photos From The Private Screening of My Movie ‘DRY’ in the UK

The private screening of my movie “Dry” took place recently at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Wales, UK where part of the film was shot. With over 150 guests in attendance, movie enthusiasts and critics from the UK and beyond who attended the event had nothing but words of commendation and praise for DRY which received a resounding 10-minute-standing ovation from the entire audience.

“This film is an opportunity to create an awareness. It is a privilege to be on the project”- Liz (Benson) Ameye

With moving, heart-wrenching scenes accompanied by the serious, and often-controversial social matters addressed, many were moved to tears. The special advisor to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) Dr. Precious Gbeneol, who was in attendance, gave an engaging speech on the effect and importance of the film in terms of social good for not only West Africa, but for the continent as a whole. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Aberystwyth Prof. April McMahon gave special acknowledgment of the importance of building bridges and connections with Africa and the world to bring these stories to life.

“The warm reception at Aberystwyth from the guests at this screening was overwhelming. Listening to people discuss the real issue that the film was based on was truly liberating. This is more than just a film. It is a movement to change the lives of many young women who suffer from VVF”– Director, Producer, Writer Stephanie Linus

The film stars: Darwin Shaw as Dr. Alex, the legendary Liz Benson Ameye as the Matron, Bill McNamara as Dr. Brown, and introducing Zubaidat 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. The production of this film was supported by the Office of the SA to the President on MDGs Nigeria, Aberystwyth University Wales, Diamond Woman, Ford Foundation and many more.

The movie trailer for DRY can be watched through this link– bit.ly/drytrailer. The film will premier in Nigeria and across Africa in the Spring of 2015.

Also starring in the film are Olu Jacobs, Tijjani Faraga, Hauwa Maina, Rahama Hassan, Rekiya Attah, Hakeem Hassan and Afamefuna Klint Igwemba (aka Klint da drunk) and many Art students of Aberystwyth. The production’s creative team includes director of photography, Angel Barroeta, executive producer, Linus Idahosa, co-produced by Jane Lawalata with Akanimo Odon and Murtza Ali Ghaznavi as line producers and Chinedu Omorie as first assistant.

Movie goers can follow the film on the official movie site at www.themoviedry.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/themoviedry or on Twitter with the handle @themovieDry

Thank you SL Fabz for all your support! Here are some photos from the premiere.

December 17, 2014