The festive season in Nollywood has taken a dramatic turn as actress Ini Edo finds herself at the center of a heated controversy involving her latest film, 'A Very Dirty Christmas'. Despite an official request from Nigeria's film regulatory body to change the movie's title, the seasoned actress has remained visibly unfazed, continuing her vigorous promotion campaign in cinemas across the country.
CAN's Objection and the NFVCB's Directive
The storm began when the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) publicly voiced its strong disapproval of the film's title. In a statement released on Friday, December 19, 2025, and signed by its President, Daniel Okoh, CAN described the title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. The association questioned the appropriateness of linking the sacred celebration of Christmas with the word "dirty" and called on the relevant authorities to intervene.
This complaint prompted a response from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). The board's Director General, Shaibu Husseini, acknowledged CAN's concerns during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. While clarifying that the film had passed all necessary legal and regulatory checks prior to its release, Husseini revealed a significant new development. He disclosed that the NFVCB has now directed Ini Edo to modify the title of her movie.
The board emphasized that its mandate extends beyond technical approvals to include fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria's diverse religious communities. This move highlights the delicate balance regulatory bodies must maintain between artistic expression and societal sensitivities.
Ini Edo's Unwavering Stance and Promotion
Rather than publicly addressing the NFVCB's directive, Ini Edo has chosen to let her actions speak for her. Since the movie premiered in cinemas on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the 43-year-old actress has been actively promoting 'A Very Dirty Christmas' on her Instagram page. She has shared multiple posts, including promotional videos, encouraging her millions of followers to visit cinemas and watch the film.
One particular post that caught public attention featured a video with the caption: "Stop at Ebony Life and let’s watch a ‘Very Dirty Christmas’ together.. 7pm." This ongoing promotion signals her determination to stand by her project despite the mounting pressure.
The Actress's Defense and Metaphorical Explanation
Ini Edo has formally responded to the criticism surrounding her film. In a statement, she explained that the movie was created to spark conversation and reflect real-life human experiences. She stressed that art often employs contrast to encourage deeper reflection among its audience.
The actress firmly noted that all required approvals were secured before the movie's release, including clearance from both the NFVCB and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). According to her, the title is metaphorical and directly reflects the core themes explored in the story. She expressed surprise that objections arose only after the film's release, given that the title had been openly marketed across various media platforms for a considerable time prior.
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between creative freedom and cultural or religious sensibilities in Nigeria's vibrant film industry. As Ini Edo continues her cinema tours and the regulatory board stands by its request, the outcome of this 'dirty' Christmas drama remains to be seen, setting a potential precedent for future content in Nollywood.
