Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has called on regulators and the public not to remove her latest movie, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas,’ from cinemas, insisting the film does not ridicule Christianity and urging viewers to watch it before passing judgment.
In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram Sunday night, Edo said the controversy surrounds the film’s title rather than its content and pleaded for the movie to remain available nationwide.
“Please, don’t pull my film. Let people watch it first. If it disrespects Christians or Christianity in any way, I will personally pull it,” she said.
She explained that the title was never meant to offend religious sensibilities. “We chose ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ to portray family conflicts and secrets coming to light. There is no dirt in the story, and it does not mock Christians or dishonour God,” Edo added.
Edo also warned of the financial impact of withdrawing the film, noting that it is currently showing in over 70 cinemas across the country and involved significant investment in production, marketing, and distribution.
Authorities have reportedly asked her to change the title, and Edo said she is willing to do so but still urged that the film not be pulled. “I will try to change the title, but please don’t remove the movie from cinemas. As a Christian, I do not want any conflict with my faith community,” she said.
She apologised to anyone who may have been offended, reiterating that there was no malicious intent. “‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ was never meant to discredit Christianity. If it has hurt anyone, I sincerely apologise,” she said.
Her appeal follows concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria regarding the film’s title.
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