Actor IK Ogbonna and actress Rita Dominic have spoken out in defence of Ini Edo’s new film A Very Dirty Christmas after the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, condemned its title as offensive to Christians. CAN had described the title as disrespectful to the Christian faith and the sacredness of Christmas.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Ogbonna said the title was never intended to mock or undermine Christianity. He stressed that he, the producer and the director are all Christians and would not deliberately insult their own faith.
Ogbonna explained that the title was inspired by the popular Detty December party culture. According to him, the film itself carries deeper themes about love, forgiveness and self worth beyond what the title suggests.
The actor, who plays the character Frankie in the movie, appealed to critics to watch the film before judging it. He said he respects CAN and understands its concerns but believes the full message of the movie should be allowed to speak for itself.
Rita Dominic backed Ogbonna’s position and defended the creative choices behind the project. She said artists have the right to creative expression, which allows them to convey emotions and build stories that connect with audiences.
Dominic described A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, as an entertaining film. She urged Nigerians to see it in cinemas with family and friends over the holidays and promised that viewers would enjoy laughter and thrills.
Meanwhile, the National Film and Video Censors Board has engaged the producers over complaints about the title. The board has requested a modification of the title to reduce the risk of offending religious sensibilities.
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