Nollywood star and producer Ini Edo has publicly appealed to film regulators and members of the public to allow her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, remain in cinemas, insisting that the film does not mock Christianity despite the controversy surrounding its title.
In a tearful video posted on her Instagram page on Sunday night, Edo urged critics to watch the movie before passing judgment, stressing that objections were focused on the title rather than the storyline.
“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 said.
The actress further pledged to take responsibility if the movie was found to offend Christian values.
“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,” she added.
Explaining the creative choice behind the title, Edo said it was never intended to ridicule the Christian faith or undermine religious beliefs.
“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,” she stated.
REAR ALSO:
- Why ICPC Is Holding El-Rufai — What We Know So Far
- How Love, Teamwork Sustained My Marriage Despite Earning More Than My Husband For 13 Years – Ibukun Awosika
- Controversy Trails Late Nigerian Boxer’s Estate as Widow, Family Clash
- Ogun Police Investigate Alleged Rape of TikToker, Survivor Hospitalised
- ‘I Knew About Tonto Dikeh, Churchill’s Reunion Before It Hit the Internet’ — Rosy Meurer
Edo noted that the film had only just begun screening nationwide and warned that withdrawing it would result in heavy financial losses, as investors had already committed significant resources to the project.
“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.
She confirmed that regulators had asked for a title change and expressed readiness to comply, while pleading that the film should not be removed from cinemas.
“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,” Edo appealed.
The filmmaker also apologised to those who felt offended by the title, emphasising that there was no malicious intent.
“‘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 followed a statement from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described the movie’s title as offensive and called for regulatory review. In response, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) confirmed it had asked the producer to modify the title, citing concerns about public perception.
The board added that it reserves the right under the National Film and Video Censors Board Act to withdraw films from circulation when deemed necessary in the public interest.
Reiterating her faith, Edo said she would never intentionally offend Christianity.
“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.
She concluded by again appealing for understanding, saying, “All I’m asking is, don’t pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground. Let people watch it.”