Popular Nigerian actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has responded to concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the title of her latest movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, making an emotional appeal to regulators not to remove the film from cinemas.
The 43-year-old actress shared a video on her verified Instagram page in which she pleaded with authorities to first watch the film before taking any action.
She said the production was funded with investors’ money and urged regulators not to judge it solely by its title, stressing that she would personally withdraw the movie if it was found to dishonour Christians or God.
Edo explained that the title was intended as a metaphor to tell a story and spark conversation, not to ridicule God, Christianity, or religion. According to her, no objections were raised when the title was chosen, noting that she would not have gone ahead with the project if any concerns had been flagged.
The film, produced by the Akwa Ibom-born actress, has attracted criticism from CAN, which described the title as offensive to the Christian faith. The association argued that Christmas is a sacred season that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolizes purity, peace, love, and redemption, adding that linking it with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance.
In response, Edo said she would never be part of any project that dishonours God, maintaining that her faith guides her work. She apologised to anyone offended by the movie’s title and insisted there was no malicious intent behind it, adding that efforts would be made to change the title.
CAN has called on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with respect.
Meanwhile, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) clarified that the film was approved and classified after passing through the established censorship and classification process. The board said the Film Censorship Committee examined the movie within its narrative and thematic context before approval.
The NFVCB also assured the public that it remains guided by its enabling law, which empowers it to order the withdrawal of a film from exhibition for further review whenever such action is considered necessary in the public interest.
