Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has addressed concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) regarding the title of her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas.
In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described the film’s title as offensive and insensitive to Christians. The association emphasised that Christmas is a holy celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and represents values such as purity, peace, love and redemption.
CAN argued that linking the word “dirty” with Christmas undermines the spiritual meaning of the season and turns a sacred observance into something crude and sensational. While recognising the importance of artistic freedom, the Christian body maintained that creativity should be exercised with caution and sensitivity, especially in a multi-religious country like Nigeria.
The association further stated that creative works ought to foster unity and understanding rather than offend deeply held religious beliefs. It also questioned how a film with such a title was able to pass through regulatory and professional approval processes without sufficient scrutiny.
Responding to the criticism, Ini Edo took to her Instagram page on Friday to explain the intention behind the movie’s title, stressing that it was never meant to insult the Christian faith. She said the title is metaphorical and connected to the themes and realities portrayed in the film.
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According to the actress, although Christmas is sacred, the season often highlights contrasts such as appearance versus reality, joy versus struggle, and virtue versus human imperfection.
In a full statement shared online, Edo said, “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.”
She noted that all required legal and regulatory approvals, including clearance from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), were obtained before the film’s release. She added that there was no intention to demean or ridicule Christianity or the Christmas season.
Describing herself as a devout Christian, Edo said her faith guides her life and decisions, insisting she would not knowingly be involved in any work that disrespects her religion. “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,” she stated.
The filmmaker also expressed surprise that objections were raised only after the film’s release, despite its title being publicly promoted across multiple platforms for some time. She suggested that earlier engagement could have allowed for dialogue and understanding.
While acknowledging CAN’s concerns, Edo said she respects the role of faith in society and called for dialogue rooted in mutual respect. She also invited the public to watch the film and judge its message in context, adding that she would continue visiting cinemas across Nigeria to engage with viewers.
