By Tadeniawo Collins
Stephanie Linus’ latest movie, Dry has received a resounding applause from over 150 guests, movie enthusiasts and critics who attended the private screening of the movie from the UK and beyond recently.
At the screening of the movie, which took place at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre in Wales, UK on Saturday, November 29, 2014, the latest effort by the Nigerian actress and producer was applauded based on the storyline, plot structure and screenplay.
Parading stars like Darwin Shaw, Liz Benson Ameye, Bill McNamara and introducing Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge, the production of Dry was supported by the Office of the SA to the President of Nigeria on MDGs Nigeria, Aberystwyth University, Wales; Diamond Bank, Ford Foundation and many more.
The film is based on Halima; a teenager who has to endure a life not designed for a child: to be married to a man who was more than four times her age, and according to Liz Benson Ameye: ‘This film is an opportunity to create an awareness. It is a privilege to be on the project.’
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.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Aberystwyth, Prof. April McMahon also specially acknowledged the importance of building bridges and connections with Africa and the world to bring these stories to life.
Speaking at the event, Stephanie Linus said: ‘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.’
The film is scheduled to premiere in Nigeria and Across Africa later in 2015 and it also stars the likes of 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-producers, Jane Lawalata, Akanimo Odon, Murtza Ali Ghaznavi as line producers with Chinedu Omorie as first assistant.
