Filmmaker Ini Edo has appealed to the public and movie regulators amid concerns over her new film, A Very Dirty Christmas, which is currently showing in cinemas.
In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page in the early hours of Monday, the 43-year-old urged critics to watch the film before judging it, insisting that the controversy is centred on the title and not 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 degrades Christianity. Then I will pull it,” she said.
Ini added, “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.”
She explained that the title was never intended to ridicule Christianity or the Christmas celebration. “We chose ‘A Very Dirty Christmas.’ It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God,” she said.
According to her, the film focuses on family conflicts and unfolding secrets. “This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians,” she added.
Edo said withdrawing the movie would have serious financial implications, noting that it is already showing in over 70 cinemas nationwide. “I did take money from investors to do this film. We have over about 70 cinemas nationwide. We’ve done print, media and digital. I don’t know how we are going to do it,” she said.
She confirmed that regulators had asked for a change of title and said she was willing to comply. “They’ve asked us to change the title, or they’re going to pull the films from the cinemas. How do I change the name, the title? Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I will try to change the title. Just give us some time. Don’t pull the film,” she said.
Ini also apologised to anyone offended by the title, maintaining that there was no malicious intent. “I am a Christian. Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I would never sit in a gathering where Christians are ridiculed,” she said.
The Christian Association of Nigeria had earlier described the film title as offensive, while the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) ordered the producer to modify it, citing its regulatory powers.
