Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has urged regulators and the public not to remove her latest movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, from cinemas, insisting that the film does not ridicule Christianity. She called on critics to watch the movie before forming judgments.
In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday night, Edo pleaded for the film to remain in theaters, stressing that the controversy centered on the title rather than the content.
“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 Christianity. Then I will pull it,” Edo said. “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.”
Edo explained that the title was never intended to disrespect the Christian faith. “This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians,” she said, describing the movie as a story about family dynamics rather than religion.
The actress also highlighted the financial implications of withdrawing the film, noting that it had been released in over 70 cinemas nationwide and that investors had funded its production.
“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,” she said.
Edo offered an apology to anyone offended by the title, emphasizing that there was no malicious intent. “If it is really hurting anyone, I want to say I’m sorry. That was not the intention,” she said.
The controversy follows concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described the title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith in a statement dated December 16, signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh. CAN urged relevant authorities to review the film.
In response, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) said it had requested the producer to modify the title while acknowledging public concerns. The board also noted that it is guided by the National Film and Video Censors Board Act, which allows the Film Censorship Committee to withdraw a film for review if deemed necessary in the public interest.
Edo, a devout Christian, reiterated her respect for her faith and her commitment not to offend fellow believers. “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 appealing for understanding and fairness: “All I’m asking is, don’t pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground. Let people watch it.”