Ini Edo has lamented over attempts to pull down her new film ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) labelled it “offensive”.
The film’s title had drawn criticism from CAN, which described it as “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith.
The association also called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how such a title was approved for release, particularly during the Christmas season.
Edo earlier disclosed that the film’s title is metaphorical, stemming from a messy family reunion during what was supposed to be a happy Christmas, and was never intended to demean Christianity or dishonor God.
The filmmaker clarified that the production had fully complied with Nigerian regulations, securing all necessary approvals from both the NFVCB and the Nigerian Copyright Commission before its release.
However, in another address via Instagram, Edo, visibly distressed, stressed her Christian faith, saying she was raised by her father to be a devout believer.
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The actress revealed that there are now active attempts to cancel the movie’s screenings nationwide unless the title is changed.
She detailed the severe personal and financial toll the development would take, noting that the film represents her primary work for the year.
“The title is derived from just a family reunion that was supposed to be a happy Christmas. But the messiness that happened in that revelation was a metaphorical way of telling a story,” she said.
“And I strongly believe that. I have such strong faith. Promoting that film for the time, that’s all I have done this year. It was never to demean Christians, or disrespect Christians, or dishonour God.
“My entire team, we are all Christians. Before we start work, we reference God because that is the premise on which we do everything.
“You have sent a letter. You have asked us to change the title, or they are going to pull the films from the cinemas. They thought we could handle it. But obviously, the composition is not growing every day.”
Making a direct appeal to CAN and cinema operators, Edo proposed a compromise. She also outlined the logistical nightmare of a last-minute title change, describing the process of recalling physical promotional materials from 70 cinemas across Nigeria as an overwhelming burden.
“If you pull it, just because of the title, perhaps you should see the film,” she said.
“If it dishonours Christians in any way, I will pull it. I will bear the consequence. If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it. I have just come back from two cinemas we went to see. It is almost like what I am dealing with is not enough.
“There are 70 cinemas across Nigeria. We have to start pulling out the printers, all the materials that have circulated the entire country. How do I change the name? I do not want to change it. Just give me some time. Don’t pull the film.”
The NFVCB had earlier said it has initiated discussions with Edo regarding a potential modification of the title.
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