Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, has appealed to film regulators and the public to allow her latest movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, to continue screening in cinemas, amid criticism over its title.
In an emotional video posted on her Instagram page on Sunday night, Edo urged critics to watch the film before passing judgment, insisting that the controversy surrounding the movie was based on perception rather than its actual content.
“Please don’t pull my film. Just allow people to watch it,” she pleaded. “Watch the film and then come back to say it degrades Christians or Christianity. If it does, I will personally pull it and face the consequences.”
The actress stressed that the film does not ridicule Christianity or insult Christian values, explaining that the title was never intended to offend religious sensibilities.
“The title was not chosen to demean Christians or dishonour God,” she said. “There is no dirt in this film. It is about family conflicts, hidden truths, and relationships—not a mockery of Christianity.”
Edo also expressed concern over the financial implications of withdrawing the movie, noting that it had just been released nationwide after significant investment.
“I took money from investors to make this film. It is currently showing in over 70 cinemas across the country, and we have spent heavily on promotion. Pulling it now would be devastating,” she said.
She confirmed that the National Film and Video Censors Board had asked the producers to consider changing the film’s title and said she was open to complying, but appealed for time.
“Christians are not the people I want problems with because I am one,” Edo said. “I’m willing to change the title, but please give us time. Don’t pull the film.”
The actress also apologised to anyone who felt offended by the title, maintaining that there was no malicious intent behind it.
“If the title has hurt anyone, I am truly sorry. That was never the intention,” she said. “I would never sit in a gathering where Christians are being ridiculed.”
The appeal followed objections raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, which described the movie’s title as disrespectful to the Christian faith and called for regulatory review. In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN urged authorities to address what it termed an offensive portrayal.
Reacting to the development, the NFVCB said it had asked the producer to modify the film’s title in response to public concerns, while emphasising its duty to act in the public interest.
“Public perception and reception are critical to effective regulation,” the board said, adding that it was guided by provisions of the NFVCB Act, which allow for the withdrawal of a film for further review if necessary.
Despite the controversy, Edo reiterated her plea for fairness and understanding.
“All I’m asking for is a fair fighting chance,” she said. “Let people watch the film and judge it for what it truly is.”
