Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, has reacted to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) following its condemnation of her film’s title, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’.
The apex Nigerian Christian body had described the title of the film as “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith, sparking widespread public debate.
The association also called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how such a title was approved for public release, particularly during the Christmas season.
Reacting to the criticism in a statement shared on Instagram on Thursday, Edo defended the creative choice, explaining that the essence of art is to provoke thought, stimulate conversation and explore the complexities of human life.
She clarified that the production complied fully with Nigerian regulations, having obtained the required approvals from both the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) before its release.
“As a devout Christian, my faith guides my values and life. I would never knowingly create or be associated with any work that misrepresents or disrespects my religion or the essence of Christmas,” Edo said.
The filmmaker explained that the title is metaphorical, reflecting the film’s exploration of contrasts often present druthuring the festive season, including the tension between appearance and reality, joy and struggle, and virtue and human imperfection.
She also expressed regret that CAN’s concerns were raised only after the film’s release, noting that earlier engagement could have encouraged constructive dialogue and better understanding.
The veteran actress called for mutual respect and open conversations at the intersection of faith, culture and creative expression in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the NFVCB confirmed on Thursday that it has begun discussions with the film’s producers over a possible modification of the title.
The board said the film passed through its standard censorship and classification process, with the title assessed within the full context of the movie’s narrative and themes.
The NFVCB stressed that the approval was not an endorsement to trivialise Christianity or Christmas, but was granted as part of fictional creative expression.
