Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, one of the most recognisable figures in Nigeria’s Nollywood film industry, has made a passionate appeal to film regulators, Christian groups, and the general public, urging that her newly released movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, should not be withdrawn from cinemas across Nigeria.
In an emotional video message shared on her verified Instagram account on Sunday night, Ini Edo pleaded that the film should be allowed to continue screening while discussions around its title are resolved. She stressed that the growing controversy centres on the name of the movie rather than its actual content.
Okay News reports that the actress repeatedly asked critics to watch the film before drawing conclusions, insisting that the storyline does not mock or diminish Christianity or Christian values in any form.
“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,” Edo said in the video.
She further 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.”
Clarifying the intention behind the movie’s title, Edo explained that the phrase A Very Dirty Christmas was never chosen to insult the Christian faith or ridicule Christendom. According to her, the title was meant to reflect the unfolding of family conflicts and hidden secrets during the festive season, not religious disrespect.
“We chose ‘A Very Dirty Christmas.’ It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God,” she stated.
“This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians,” she added.
The actress disclosed that the movie was only recently released in cinemas nationwide and warned that pulling it from theatres would result in serious financial losses for both herself and her investors.
“I did take money from investors to do this film. We have over about 70 cinemas nationwide. We have done print, media and digital promotions. I do not know how we are going to do it,” she said.
Edo confirmed that she had been asked by regulators to change the title of the film and expressed her willingness to comply, while still appealing that the movie should remain in cinemas during the transition period.
“They have asked us to change the title, or they are going to pull the films from the cinemas. How do I change the name, the title?” she asked.
“Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I am one. I will try to change the title. Just give us some time. Do not pull the film,” she added.
She also issued an apology to anyone who may have been offended by the title, maintaining that there was no malicious intent behind it.
“‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ was not meant to discredit Christians or Christianity. If it is really hurting anyone, I want to say I am sorry. That was not the intention,” she said.
The appeal followed concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, a national umbrella body representing Christian denominations across Nigeria. In a statement dated Monday, December 16, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association described the film’s title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith, calling on relevant authorities to review the matter.
Reacting to the controversy, Nigeria’s National Film and Video Censors Board, the federal agency responsible for regulating films and video works in the country, said it had requested the producer to modify the title while acknowledging the sensitivity of public perception.
“However, the Board recognises that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation,” the board said.
“In light of the concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, and in the spirit of responsiveness and dialogue, we have requested the producer to modify the title,” the statement added.
The board further noted that it operates under the provisions of the National Film and Video Censors Board Act, including Section 39 subsection one, which empowers the Film Censorship Committee to withdraw a film from exhibition for further review if it is considered necessary in the public interest.
Despite the controversy, Ini Edo reaffirmed her Christian faith and insisted that she would never deliberately offend her beliefs.
“I am a Christian. Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I am one. I would never sit in a gathering where Christians are ridiculed,” she said.
She concluded her appeal by calling for fairness and understanding, saying, “All I am asking is, do not pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground. Let people watch it.”
