Nollywood actress, Ini Edo
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has tendered a public apology to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) following widespread criticism over the title of her new film, A Very Dirty Christmas.
The apology came during an emotional Instagram Live session on Monday, where the actress addressed concerns raised by CAN and members of the Christian community who described the title as offensive and insensitive to the sacredness of Christmas.
Visibly moved, Ini Edo explained that the title was purely a creative decision and was never intended to demean the Christian faith or mock the celebration of Christmas.
“If I had known the title ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ would cause a problem, I would have changed it,” she said.
The actress stressed that she and her entire production team are Christians, insisting that faith played a role throughout the filmmaking process.
“CAN, I am sorry. I never meant to insult or disgrace Christians. I am a Christian too. We are all Christians on the team. We prayed and reverenced God,” she added.
Expressing surprise at the scale of the backlash, Ini Edo admitted she was deeply troubled by the reaction to the movie’s title.
“I can’t believe the movie title is hurting people this much. This is me saying, I am sorry,” she said.
The family drama, which was released in cinemas on December 16, sparked intense public debate, prompting CAN to issue a formal complaint.
In a statement, the Christian body described the title as “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith, arguing that associating Christmas with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance.
CAN subsequently called on the film’s producers and promoters to reconsider the title and offer a public apology.
The association also questioned how the film received approval from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
Responding to the concerns, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, confirmed that the board reviewed, approved and classified the film on the basis that it was a work of “fictional and creative expression.”
He noted, however, that the board recognises public perception as a key aspect of regulation, revealing that NFVCB has since engaged the film’s producers on the possibility of modifying the title.
According to him, religious sensitivity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence remain central to the board’s regulatory responsibilities.
