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Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has appealed to regulators and the public not to withdraw her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, from cinemas, insisting that the film does not ridicule Christianity in any way.
In a video shared on her Instagram page on December 22, 2025, the actress repeatedly pleaded for the film to remain in theatres, emphasising that the controversy centres on the title rather than the content.
“Just don’t pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch. Watch the film and come back and say that this film degrades Christians or Christianity. Then I will pull it,” she said.
The issue arose after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) criticised the film’s title, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to Christianity. In a statement dated December 16, 2025, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said linking a holy celebration with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.
Reacting to the criticism, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) confirmed that it had requested the producer to modify the title. Executive Director and CEO Dr Shaibu Husseini said the board approved the film based on its fictional and creative expression, while recognising that public perception and reception are critical to effective regulation.
“The NFVCB holds religious sensitivity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence as core considerations in its statutory responsibilities,” he added.
Ini Edo clarified that the title A Very Dirty Christmas was never intended to disrespect Christianity, explaining that the film focuses on family conflicts and secrets rather than ridiculing Christians.
She also expressed her willingness to change the title if required. Still, she urged that the film not be removed from cinemas, citing commitments to investors and its current screening in over 70 cinemas nationwide.
Ini Edo reassured viewers that she is a devout Christian and would never intentionally offend her faith. She urged critics to watch the film before forming judgments, promising to withdraw it herself if it dishonoured God or Christians.
“A Very Dirty Christmas” premiered in cinemas on December 16 and continues to screen nationwide while the title modification discussion with the NFVCB is ongoing.
