In a powerful act of solidarity, acclaimed actress and filmmaker Stephanie Linus has uploaded her award-winning 2014 film ‘Dry’ to YouTube.
The move, according to her, is a direct tribute to the memory of Ochanya Ogbanje, a name that has recently resurfaced across Nigerian social media.
The #JusticeForOchanya campaign has been revived by outraged citizens seven years after her tragic death.
Ochanya was just 13 years old when she died in 2018 from health complications following years of alleged sexual abuse.
The accused were her guardian Andrew Ogbuja and his son Victor. Public fury has intensified because many believe justice was never truly served; Ogbuja was acquitted, Victor remains at large, and the child’s aunt received only a light sentence for failing to protect her.
In a recent Instagram post, Stephanie announced that she was making ‘Dry’ freely available online.
She framed the film as a memorial not only for Ochanya but for all victims of abuse whose voices have been silenced.
The filmmaker also urged people to watch and share it to raise awareness about child protection and end the silence around sexual violence.
“Dry now showing on YouTube.In memory of Ochanya and every girl whose voice has been silenced, and in light of the renewed call for #JusticeForOchanya, I’m making DRY available for everyone to watch,” she wrote.
“This film stands as a reminder: we must protect our children, strengthen our systems, and end the silence that allows abuse to continue. DRY is inspired by real experiences. It speaks for every child denied protection, every woman silenced, and every community that must now choose to stand up.
“Remember – education is key. When people are informed, they make better choices. Let’s make sure ignorance is never an excuse. Watch and share this film with your friends, family, and community.
“All it takes is one person watching it right now to make a better choice. Your duty is to help them see it. Let’s make sure Ochanya’s story and every story like hers leads to change. Let this not just be a movie, let it be a movement.”
‘Dry’ tells the harrowing story of Halima, a 13-year-old girl forced into marriage with a 60-year-old man Sani.
The film depicts her suffering, including rape, a pregnancy that leads to a Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) injury, and subsequent abandonment and social stigma.
Watch the movie below:
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