Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has appealed to film regulators and the public to allow her latest movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, to remain in cinemas despite criticism over its provocative title.
In a heartfelt Instagram video shared late Sunday, Edo stressed that the debate surrounding the film is focused solely on its title, not its content. She insisted the movie does not belittle Christianity in any way.
“Just don’t pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch. Watch the film and come back and say that this film degrades Christians or degrades Christianity. Then I will pull it,” she urged.
She added, “If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences. I will not be part of something like that.”
Explaining the reasoning behind the title, Edo said, “We chose ‘A Very Dirty Christmas.’ It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God. This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians.”
Edo warned that removing the film so soon after its release would cause significant financial losses for her and her investors. “I did take money from investors to do this film. We have over about 70 cinemas nationwide. We’ve done print, media and digital. I don’t know how we are going to do it,” she said.
While confirming that authorities had requested a title change, Edo expressed her willingness to comply, asking for understanding and time. “They’ve asked us to change the title, or they’re going to pull the films from the cinemas. How do I change the name, the title? Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I will try to change the title. Just give us some time. Don’t pull the film,” she said.
Edo also apologised to anyone offended, emphasising that there was no ill intention behind the title. “‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ wasn’t meant to discredit Christians or Christianity. If it is really hurting anyone, I want to say I’m sorry. That was not the intention,” she said.
The controversy follows objections from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which deemed the film’s title offensive to the Christian faith. In a December 16 statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN called for regulatory review of the film.
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) responded by requesting a title adjustment, citing the importance of public perception. “However, the Board recognises that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation. In light of the concerns raised by CAN, and in the spirit of responsiveness and dialogue, we have requested the producer to modify the title,” the board stated.
The NFVCB further noted that under Section 39(1) of the National Film and Video Censors Board Act, the Film Censorship Committee may withdraw a film from circulation if it is deemed necessary in the public interest.
Maintaining her position, Edo reaffirmed her Christian faith. “I am a Christian. Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I would never sit in a gathering where Christians are ridiculed,” she said, concluding with a final plea for fairness: “All I’m asking is, don’t pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground. Let people watch it.”
