Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, has begged regulators and the public not to pull her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas’ from cinemas, saying the film does not in any way ridicule Christianity.
In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday night, Ini, who repeatedly pleaded that the film be allowed to remain in cinemas, stressed that the controversy was about the title and not the content, urging critics to watch it before judging.
“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.
“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.
Related post: Nigerian Celebrities Storm Ini Edo’s 40th birthday bash
Explaining the intention behind the title, Edo said it 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,” added.
The actress said the movie had only recently been released in cinemas nationwide and lamented that withdrawing it would 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 also confirmed that she had been asked to change the title of the film and expressed willingness to comply, while still appealing that it should not be pulled 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,” she said.
The actress apologised to anyone offended by the title, insisting there was no malicious intent, saying “‘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, however, maintained that 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 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.”
Her appeal followed concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria over the title of the film.
CAN on her neck
The Christian Association of Nigeria has criticised the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive to the Christian faith and calling for a review by relevant regulatory authorities.
In a statement issued last Tuesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Christmas is a sacred period commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and should not be portrayed in a manner that undermines its spiritual meaning.
According to him, the use of the word “dirty” in reference to Christmas diminishes the essence of the celebration, which symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption.
The statement partly read, “The Christian Association of Nigeria is deeply troubled by the title of the movie: ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, which it considers offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
“Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love and redemption.
“Linking such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.”
CAN said while it recognises the importance of creative freedom in filmmaking, such freedom should be exercised with restraint and sensitivity, particularly in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.
“CAN therefore calls on the National Film and Video Censors Board to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.
“CAN also urges industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other stakeholders in Nollywood to take a clear stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities,” Okoh stated.
CAN further appealed to the film’s producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity to the concerns raised and take steps to address them.
NFVB Reacts
Reacting to the controversy, the National Film and Video Censors Board said it had requested the producer to modify the title of the movie, 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.
A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, was released in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025.
The film centres on a Christmas family reunion disrupted by unresolved secrets and past trauma, turning the festive season into emotional turmoil.
