Nollywood actress Ini Edo has responded to criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the title of her new film, A Very Dirty Christmas, insisting that the work does not mock Christianity and was created in line with Nigeria’s regulatory standards.
Okay News reports that CAN had earlier described the film’s title as “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith, urging Nigeria’s National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title received approval, particularly during the Christmas season.
The reaction sparked a broader public debate around artistic freedom, faith, and cultural sensitivity.
In a detailed statement shared on her Instagram page on Thursday, Edo said the intention behind the film was being misunderstood. According to her, art is meant to challenge audiences and reflect the complexity of human experience, not to insult religious beliefs.
“Art, at its highest form, is meant to provoke thought, spark conversation, and reflect the complexities of human experience. It is in this spirit that A Very Dirty Christmas was created,” she said.
The actress stressed that the production followed all legal and regulatory procedures required for motion pictures in Nigeria. She said approvals were obtained from relevant authorities before the film’s release.
“Prior to the release of this film, all legal and regulatory requirements governing motion pictures in Nigeria were fully complied with, including securing the appropriate approval from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), amongst others,” Edo stated.
Addressing concerns about faith, Edo described herself as a committed Christian and rejected suggestions that the film was designed to demean Christianity or the Christmas season.
“I am a devout Christian. My faith is deeply personal to me, and it guides my values, my choices, and my life. I would never knowingly create or associate myself with any work that seeks to misrepresent, disrespect, or undermine my religion or the essence of Christmas,” she said.
Edo explained that the title of the film is metaphorical and intended to reflect contrasts within the story rather than provoke offence.
“The title of the film is metaphorical, reflecting the story being told and the realities explored within it. Christmas, while sacred, is also a season that often reveals the contrast between appearance and truth, joy and struggle, virtue and human imperfection,” she added.
She also expressed surprise that objections surfaced only after the film had been released and publicly promoted across multiple platforms.
“It is therefore surprising that reservations are only being expressed after the film has been released and duly approved by the appropriate regulatory authority. Early engagement would have allowed for constructive dialogue and mutual understanding,” Edo said.
While acknowledging CAN’s concerns, the actress called for dialogue and mutual respect at the intersection of faith, culture, and creative expression.
“I acknowledge the concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and I respect the important role faith plays in our society. Nigeria thrives when dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect guide our engagements,” she noted.
Edo concluded by inviting audiences to watch the film and judge it within its full context.
“I invite everyone to go to cinemas across Nigeria to watch A Very Dirty Christmas for themselves. See the story, feel the message, and judge it in its proper context,” she said.
