Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has appealed to the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the public not to withdraw her newly released movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, from cinemas, insisting that the film does not mock or disrespect Christianity.
In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday night, the actress repeatedly asked that the movie be allowed to remain in cinemas, explaining that the controversy stems from the title, not the content of the film.
“Please don’t pull my film. Let people watch it first. If anyone watches it and says it degrades Christians or dishonours God, then I will personally pull it and face the consequences,” she said.
Edo stressed that the title was never intended to insult the Christian faith, noting that the movie focuses on family drama and unresolved secrets rather than religion.
“There is no dirt in this film. It is about family conflicts and issues coming to light. It does not ridicule Christians or Christianity in any way,” she explained.
The actress revealed that the movie had just been released nationwide and is currently showing in over 70 cinemas across Nigeria. She said pulling it at this stage would lead to serious financial losses, especially for investors who funded the project.
“I collected money from investors. We have already done massive promotion in print, media and digital. I honestly don’t know how we would recover from this,” she lamented.
Edo confirmed that regulators had asked the production team to change the title of the movie and said she was willing to comply, but pleaded for time so the film would not be abruptly removed from cinemas.
“I’m a Christian. Christians are not the people I want a problem with. I will try to change the title, but please give us time. Don’t pull the film,” she appealed.
She also apologised to anyone who felt offended by the movie’s title, insisting there was no malicious intent.
“A Very Dirty Christmas was never meant to discredit Christians or Christianity. If the title is hurting anyone, I sincerely apologise. That was not the intention,” she said.
The controversy follows concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described the title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. In a statement dated December 16 and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN called on relevant authorities to review the film.
Reacting to the issue, the National Film and Video Censors Board said it had asked the producer to modify the movie’s title in response to public concerns.
According to the board, while it acknowledges freedom of expression, public perception remains a key part of effective regulation. It added that under the NFVCB Act, it retains the power to withdraw any film from exhibition if it is considered against public interest.
Despite the controversy, Edo maintained that she would never intentionally offend her faith, describing herself as a devout Christian.
“I would never sit in a gathering where Christians are mocked. All I’m asking for is fairness. Let people watch the film,” she said.
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