Nollywood actress and producer Ini Edo has urged regulatory authorities and members of the public to allow her latest film, A Very Dirty Christmas, to continue showing in cinemas, insisting that the movie does not mock or undermine Christianity in any form.
In a heartfelt video posted on her Instagram page late Sunday, Edo appealed emotionally for fairness, explaining that the backlash was focused on the film’s title rather than its storyline. She asked critics to first watch the movie before drawing conclusions.
“Please don’t withdraw my film. Let people see it first. If after watching it, anyone can honestly say it insults Christians or Christianity, I will personally withdraw it and accept whatever consequences follow,” she said.
According to the actress, the title was never intended to insult the Christian faith or demean God. She clarified that the film’s content centres on family issues, hidden truths and interpersonal conflicts, not religious mockery.
“There is nothing dirty about this film. The title was not chosen to attack Christianity or Christendom. It doesn’t ridicule Christians in any way,” she explained.
Edo also expressed concern over the financial implications of pulling the movie, noting that it was funded by investors and released in more than 70 cinemas across the country, with extensive promotional efforts already completed.
“I invested heavily in this project with other people’s money. We’ve done nationwide cinema releases and spent so much on publicity. Pulling it now would be devastating,” she lamented.
She revealed that regulators had asked her to alter the film’s title and said she was open to doing so, but pleaded that the movie should remain in cinemas while adjustments are being made.
“They said we should change the title or risk having the film removed. I’m willing to comply, but I’m begging for time. Christians are not people I want to offend—I am one myself,” she said.
The actress also offered an apology to anyone who felt hurt by the title, stressing that there was no bad intention behind it.
“If the title truly offends anyone, I sincerely apologise. That was never the goal,” she added.
The controversy followed objections raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described the movie title as disrespectful to the Christian faith. In a statement dated December 16 and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN called on authorities to review the film.
Reacting to the issue, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) confirmed that it had asked the producer to modify the title, acknowledging the concerns raised by the public.
The board stated that while it operates within the provisions of the NFVCB Act, including powers to withdraw films in the public interest, it also values public opinion and dialogue.
Edo, however, reiterated that she would never deliberately offend Christianity, describing herself as a committed believer.
“I would never be part of anything that mocks Christians or my faith,” she said.
She concluded by once again appealing for understanding and fairness, urging authorities to allow audiences judge the film based on its actual content.
“All I’m asking for is a fair chance. Let people watch the film before condemning it,” she said.
