Ini Edo Appeals Against Cinema Ban as CAN Faults ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Title

Ini Edo Appeals Against Cinema Ban as CAN Faults ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Title

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has appealed to regulatory authorities and the general public not to withdraw her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, from cinemas nationwide, insisting that the film does not ridicule Christianity.

The appeal follows criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), whose President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the movie’s title as offensive and called for a review by relevant authorities.

In an emotional video shared on Instagram on Sunday night, Ini Edo explained that the controversy centres on the title, not the content of the film, describing it as a metaphor for family conflicts that erupt during a Christmas reunion.

According to her, the title was carefully considered and reflects the messy realities of family dynamics, rather than any attempt to mock the Christmas celebration or Christian beliefs.

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“When we came up with the title A Very Dirty Christmas, it was a metaphorical way of telling a story about a family reunion that was meant to be joyful but turned messy,” she said.

The actress apologised to anyone offended by the title and expressed willingness to change the movie’s name, but pleaded that it should not be pulled from cinemas, citing commitments to investors and its current screening in over 70 cinemas across Nigeria.

“I took money from investors to do this film. If you pull it just because of the text, please watch the film. If it dishonours Christians or God in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences,” she said.

Ini Edo lamented the practical challenges of changing the title while the movie is already in circulation, noting that promotional materials have been distributed nationwide.

She stressed that she is a Christian and would never intentionally produce a film that disrespects God or Christianity, urging critics to watch the movie before passing judgment.

“If after watching the film you say it degrades Christians or Christianity, I will personally pull it. But if you haven’t seen it and say it dishonours God, that is unfair,” she added.

Meanwhile, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) confirmed that it has asked the producer to modify the movie’s title, amid the ongoing controversy.

Ini Edo Appeals Against Cinema Ban as CAN Faults ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Title