Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has issued a public apology to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) following widespread backlash over the title of her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas.
The apology was delivered during an emotional Instagram Live session, where the actress addressed concerns raised by CAN and members of the Christian community, who described the movie title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
Ini Edo explained that the title was chosen strictly as a creative expression and was never intended to demean Christmas or mock Christianity.
“If I had known that the title A Very Dirty Christmas would cause this kind of reaction, I would have changed it,” she said.
The actress stressed that she and members of the production team are Christians and that the project was carried out with reverence for God.
“I want to sincerely apologise to CAN and the Christian community. I am a Christian, and everyone on the production team is Christian. We prayed and reverenced God throughout the process. It was never our intention to insult or disgrace Christianity,” she stated.
She added that the backlash deeply affected her, noting that she did not anticipate the level of hurt generated by the title.
“I can’t believe the movie title is hurting people this much. This is me saying I am sorry,” she said.
CAN’s response
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the family drama, which was released in cinemas on December 16, attracted widespread criticism and prompted an official complaint from CAN.
In a statement, CAN described the title as “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith, arguing that associating the sacred Christmas season with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance. The association called on the producers to reconsider the title and issue a public apology.
CAN also expressed concern over the approval of the film by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
NFVCB reacts
Responding to the controversy, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, confirmed that the board reviewed, approved, and classified the film, noting that it falls within the scope of fictional and creative expression.
However, he acknowledged that public perception and religious sensitivity are important considerations in film regulation.
According to him, the board has since engaged the producers on the possibility of modifying the movie title, emphasising that mutual respect, religious sensitivity, and peaceful coexistence remain central to the board’s statutory responsibilities.
