Actress and producer Ini Edo has explained the reason behind the title of her new film, A Very Dirty Christmas, following criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
In a media statement released on Instagram on Thursday, Ini said the film was created to provoke thought and reflect real life experiences, not to disrespect Christianity or the Christmas season.
“Art, at its highest form, is meant to provoke thought, spark conversation, and reflect the complexities of human experience. It is in this spirit that A Very Dirty Christmas was created,” she said.
The 43-year-old stated that all legal and regulatory requirements were met before the film was released, including approval from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
“Prior to the release of this film, all legal and regulatory requirements governing motion pictures in Nigeria were fully complied with,” she said. “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.”
Describing herself as a practising Christian, the actress said her faith would not allow her to be involved in work that undermines Christianity.
“I am a devout Christian. My faith is deeply personal to me, and it guides my values, my choices, and my life. I would never knowingly create or associate myself with any work that seeks to misrepresent, disrespect, or undermine my religion or the essence of Christmas,” she said.
Explaining the choice of title, Ini said it was metaphorical and tied to the story being told.
“The title of the film is metaphorical, reflecting the story being told and the realities explored within it,” she said. “Christmas, while sacred, is also a season that often reveals the contrast between appearance and truth, joy and struggle, virtue and human imperfection.”
The Shanty Town actress also expressed surprise that objections were raised only after the film’s release, despite the title being publicly promoted for weeks.
“It is therefore surprising that reservations are only being expressed after the film has been released and duly approved by the appropriate regulatory authority,” she said.
She acknowledged CAN’s concerns and stressed the importance of dialogue and mutual respect.
“I acknowledge the concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and I respect the important role faith plays in our society,” she said.
Ini invited Nigerians to watch the film and judge it based on its full context.
“I invite everyone to go to cinemas across Nigeria to watch A Very Dirty Christmas for themselves. See the story, feel the message and judge it in its proper context,” she said.
CAN had earlier criticised the film’s title, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. The association questioned the use of the word “dirty” in relation to Christmas and called on the producers to apologise.
The NFVCB, in response, said the film was approved after going through its standard review and classification process.
The board explained that the approval was based on the full narrative context of the film and not intended to disparage the Christian faith. It added that it had engaged the producers following public concerns and reiterated its commitment to dialogue and religious sensitivity.
