Actor IK Ogbonna has accused some Nigerian cinemas and producers of unfair practices following the release of A Very Dirty Christmas.
IK made the allegation on Instagram on Friday while sharing the film’s poster and a detailed message directed at cinema operators and industry stakeholders.
“Politics in Nigeria’s cinema has to stop,” he wrote.
“This message is for the cinema houses directly and also for the producers who are influencing these politics. We’ve poured our heart, soul, and countless hours into bringing ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ to the big screen, and it’s unacceptable that we’ve encountered these manipulative tactics.”
According to him, the film has faced repeated changes to screening times, removal from scheduled slots, and poor viewing conditions. He also claimed that air conditioning was turned off in halls where the film was showing, while celebrities involved in meet and greet sessions reportedly had negative experiences.
IK further alleged that some cinema staff influenced customers against certain films at ticket counters. “This kind of bias is unacceptable,” he said, adding that such actions hurt both producers and the industry at large.
“To the other producers involved in these tactics, you know yourselves. We won’t name names, but it’s time to stop,” he stated.
A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, was released in cinemas on December 16. The film centres on a family Christmas gathering that exposes unresolved conflicts and personal struggles.
Ini Edo also addressed viewers on Instagram, asking them to name cinemas where they experienced difficulties watching the film.
The movie has also drawn criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria over its title, which the group described as offensive. CAN questioned the use of the word “dirty” in reference to Christmas and called on regulators to review the matter.
Responding to the backlash, Ini Edo said the title was not intended to insult Christianity or the Christmas season. She appealed to authorities and the public not to withdraw the film from cinemas, maintaining that its content does not attack the Christian faith.
