Nollywood actress and producer Ini Edo has denied claims that her movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, was intended to demean Christianity or disrespect the Christmas season.
The clarification comes after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) raised concerns over the film’s title, calling it offensive and saying it conflicted with the sacred meaning of Christmas—a season that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and embodies peace, love, and purity. CAN argued that linking the holiday with the word “dirty” undermines its spiritual significance.
In response, Ini Edo released a statement on Thursday, explaining that the film was created to spark reflection and conversation, not to cause offence. She emphasized that all regulatory requirements were met before the film’s release, including approvals from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
Describing herself as a devout Christian, Ini Edo said neither she nor her production team intended to ridicule Christianity or the essence of Christmas. She added that the film’s title is metaphorical, reflecting the story and the realities explored within it. She also expressed surprise that objections arose only after the movie had been released.
Her statement reads in part:
“Art, at its highest form, is meant to provoke thought, spark conversation, and reflect the complexities of human experience. At no time was there any intention to demean, ridicule, or dishonour Christianity, the Christmas season, or the values held dear by millions of Nigerians. The title of the film is metaphorical, reflecting the story being told and the realities explored within it… I acknowledge the concerns raised by CAN and I respect the important role faith plays in our society.”
Ini Edo’s clarification seeks to assure the public that the film is a creative work aimed at storytelling and social reflection, not a critique of religious beliefs.