Actress and producer Ini Edo has addressed the controversy surrounding her new film, A Very Dirty Christmas, after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) criticised its title.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Thursday, Ini Edo explained that the film was designed to provoke thought and mirror real-life experiences, not to disrespect Christianity or the Christmas season.
“Art, at its highest form, is meant to provoke thought, spark conversation, and reflect the complexities of human experience. It is in this spirit that A Very Dirty Christmas was created,” Ini Edo said.
The 43-year-old actress emphasised that all necessary legal and regulatory approvals were obtained before the film’s release, including clearance from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
“Prior to the release of this film, all legal and regulatory requirements governing motion pictures in Nigeria were fully complied with,” Ini Edo stated. “At no time was there any intention to demean, ridicule, or dishonour Christianity, the Christmas season, or the values held dear by millions of Nigerians.”
Identifying herself as a practising Christian, Ini Edo said her personal faith would never permit her to participate in projects that undermine Christianity.
“I am a devout Christian. My faith is deeply personal to me, and it guides my values, my choices, and my life. I would never knowingly create or associate myself with any work that seeks to misrepresent, disrespect, or undermine my religion or the essence of Christmas,” Ini Edo declared.
Addressing the controversial title directly, Ini Edo clarified that it was metaphorical and intrinsically linked to the film’s narrative.
“The title of the film is metaphorical, reflecting the story being told and the realities explored within it,” Ini Edo explained. “Christmas, while sacred, is also a season that often reveals the contrast between appearance and truth, joy and struggle, virtue and human imperfection.”
The Shanty Town actress expressed surprise that objections surfaced only after the film’s release, despite the title being publicly promoted for weeks beforehand.
“It is therefore surprising that reservations are only being expressed after the film has been released and duly approved by the appropriate regulatory authority,” Ini Edo noted.
While acknowledging CAN’s concerns, Ini Edo stressed the importance of dialogue and mutual respect between all parties.
“I acknowledge the concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and I respect the important role faith plays in our society,” Ini Edo said.
Ini Edo concluded by inviting Nigerians to watch the film and form their own opinions based on its complete narrative.
“I invite everyone to go to cinemas across Nigeria to watch A Very Dirty Christmas for themselves. See the story, feel the message and judge it in its proper context,” Ini Edo urged.
CAN had earlier condemned the film’s title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith, questioning the use of the word “dirty” in connection with Christmas and demanding an apology from the producers.
The NFVCB responded by confirming that the film received approval after undergoing the board’s standard review and classification process. The board clarified that approval was granted based on the film’s full narrative context and was not intended to disparage the Christian faith, adding that it had engaged with the producers following public concerns while reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and religious sensitivity.
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