Actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has appealed to the National Film and Video Censors Board and the public not to pull her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, from cinemas, insisting the film does not mock Christianity. In an emotional video shared on Instagram, she urged critics to watch the film first and promised to withdraw it if it is found to insult God or Christians in any way.
Edo explained that the controversy is about the title, not the content, stressing that the story focuses on family conflict and secrets, not anything immoral or anti Christian. She said investors had put money into the production, with over 70 cinemas already showing the movie and major spending on print, media and digital promotion.
She apologised to Christians who felt offended by the title, saying there was no intention to disrespect the faith or dishonour God. Describing herself as a devoted Christian, she said she would never support any project that ridicules believers or the church.
The NFVCB confirmed that it has asked the producer to modify the title following complaints from the Christian Association of Nigeria and members of the public. The board said it recognises that public perception is crucial and that its intervention is aimed at balancing creative freedom with social responsibility and religious harmony.
Edo said regulators have warned that the film could be withdrawn from cinemas if the title is not changed. She pledged to work on a new title and asked for time to make the adjustment, repeating that Christians are not people she wants a problem with because she is one of them.
She appealed for understanding and a “fair fighting ground,” asking that the film be allowed to stay in cinemas while the title issue is resolved. Her message to viewers was simple, let people watch the movie and then judge it on its content, not assumptions about its name.
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