Ini Edo Begs NFVCB Not to Pull ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ From Cinemas
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has appealed to regulators and the public not to withdraw her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, from cinemas, insisting the film does not ridicule Christianity.
In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday night, Edo repeatedly pleaded that the film be allowed to remain in cinemas, stressing that the controversy centred on the title and not the content.
She also urged critics to watch the movie before passing judgment.
“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. 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 said.
Edo explained that the title was never meant to demean the Christian faith. “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 added.
The actress noted that the movie had just been released in cinemas nationwide and warned that pulling it could have serious financial consequences.
“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.
Edo confirmed that she had been asked to change the film’s title and expressed willingness to comply, while appealing that it should not be withdrawn from cinemas.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.
“‘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,” Edo said.
Her appeal followed concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the film’s title.
In a statement dated December 16, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh described the title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith and called for a review by relevant authorities.
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) responded by requesting the producer to modify the title, while acknowledging public concerns.
“However, the Board recognises that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation.
“In light of the concerns raised by CAN, and in the spirit of responsiveness and dialogue, we have requested the producer to modify the title,” the NFVCB said.
The board added that it remained guided by the provisions of the National Film and Video Censors Board Act, including Section 39(1), which empowers the Film Censorship Committee to withdraw a film from exhibition for further review if deemed necessary in the public interest.
Edo, however, insisted she would never intentionally offend her faith, describing herself as a devout Christian.
“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 her appeal by asking for understanding, saying, “All I’m asking is, don’t pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground. Let people watch it.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
