Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has appealed to the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) not to withdraw her new movie, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas,’ from cinemas across the country.
In an emotional video posted on her Instagram page on Sunday, Edo said the movie does not mock Christianity and asked critics to watch it before condemning it.
According to her, the controversy is centred on the title of the film and not its content.
“Please don’t pull my film. Let people watch it first. If anyone watches it and says it disrespects Christians or dishonours God, I will pull it myself,” she said.
Edo explained that the title was never chosen to insult the Christian faith.
“There is nothing dirty in this film. It is about family issues and secrets. It does not ridicule Christians or Christianity,” she said.
The actress said the movie was recently released in cinemas nationwide and warned that withdrawing it would lead to heavy financial losses, as investors were involved and promotions had already been done.
“I took money from investors. The film is showing in over 70 cinemas. We have spent a lot on print, media and digital publicity. Pulling it now will be very difficult,” she said.
She also confirmed that she had been asked to change the title of the movie and said she was ready to do so, but pleaded for time.
“They said we should change the title or the film will be pulled. I’m a Christian myself. I don’t want problems with Christians. I will try to change the title, just don’t pull the film,” she appealed.
Edo apologised to anyone offended by the title, insisting there was no bad intention.
“If the title has hurt anyone, I am sorry. It was never meant to disrespect Christianity,” she said.
Her appeal followed concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described the movie title as offensive and called for a review by relevant authorities.
Reacting to the issue, the NFVCB said it had asked the producer to modify the title, noting that public opinion is important in film regulation. The board added that it has the power to withdraw films from cinemas if necessary.
However, Ini Edo insisted she would never deliberately offend her faith.
“I am a Christian. I would never be part of anything that mocks Christianity,” she said, while again appealing for fairness and understanding.
