Filmmaker Stephanie Linus has released her award-winning movie Dry on YouTube in memory of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje and other girls who suffered abuse.
Sharing a snippet of the movie on Instagram on Tuesday, Stephanie wrote: “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.
“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.”
The 2014 movie tells the story of a 13-year-old girl forced into early marriage, leading to complications of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). It addresses issues of child marriage, sexual violence and women’s rights, themes that echo Ochanya’s tragic story.
Ochanya Ogbanje, from Benue State, died in October 2018 after suffering complications allegedly caused by years of sexual abuse by her aunt’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor.
While Andrew was acquitted by a Benue High Court in 2022, his wife Felicia was convicted of negligence for failing to protect Ochanya.
Victor has remained at large since 2018.
Stephanie’s gesture comes amid renewed calls on social media for justice for Ochanya, whose story continues to spark nationwide advocacy for the protection of minors.
“Let this not just be a movie, let it be a movement,” Stephanie added.
