Prominent Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, has issued a heartfelt public appeal, urging the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian public not to withdraw her newly released movie from cinemas. The appeal comes after the film's title, 'A Very Dirty Christmas', sparked significant backlash and calls for its removal.
Emotional Plea to Regulators and Public
In a video shared on her Instagram page in December 2025, an emotional Ini Edo directly begged the regulatory body not to pull her film from screens. "Just don't pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch," she pleaded. The actress, who has been in the industry for over two decades, stressed that the film should be judged by its content and not its title alone.
She challenged critics to first watch the movie before demanding its removal. "Watch the film and come back and say that this film degrades Christians or degrades Christianity. Then I will pull it," Edo stated. She made a firm commitment, adding, "If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences. I will not be part of something like that."
Clarifying Intent and Addressing Financial Stakes
The 43-year-old star explained that the controversial title was never intended to mock Christianity. She clarified that the film's plot revolves around family conflicts and hidden secrets, not religion. "We chose 'A Very Dirty Christmas.' It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God. This film has no dirt in it," she asserted.
Ini Edo also highlighted the severe financial implications of a cinema withdrawal. She disclosed that the project was backed by investors and is currently showing in over 70 cinemas nationwide following extensive promotional campaigns. "I did take money from investors to do this film... I don't know how we are going to do it," she said, underscoring the potential heavy losses.
Willingness to Compromise and CAN's Objection
The filmmaker revealed that authorities had asked for a title change, and she expressed readiness to comply. However, she appealed for the film to remain in cinemas during the transition. "They've asked us to change the title... I will try to change the title. Just give us some time. Don't pull the film," she requested.
Edo also offered an apology to anyone offended by the title, insisting there was no malicious intent. "If it is really hurting anyone, I want to say I'm sorry. That was not the intention," she added.
This appeal followed a formal objection from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). In a statement dated December 16, 2025, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described the movie's title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith and called on relevant authorities to review the matter.
