Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has appealed to the public and film regulators amid growing controversy over her new film, A Very Dirty Christmas, which is currently screening in cinemas nationwide.
In an emotional video posted on her Instagram page early Monday, the 43-year-old urged critics to watch the film before passing judgment, noting that the backlash centers on the title rather than 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.
Edo maintained that she would not associate herself with any project that disrespects Christianity or God. “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 added.
Addressing the title directly, the filmmaker explained that it was never intended to ridicule Christians 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’s storyline centres on family dynamics rather than religious mockery. “This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians,” Edo stated.
She also expressed concern about the financial implications of withdrawing the movie, noting that it is already playing in more than 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.
Edo confirmed that regulators had asked for a change of title and noted that 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 pleaded.
She also apologised to anyone offended by the title, reiterating that there was no malicious intent behind it. “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 controversy follows criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria, which described the film’s title as offensive. The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has also directed the producer to modify the title, citing its regulatory authority.
“If I had known the title A Very Dirty Christmas would cause a problem, I would have changed it. CAN, I am sorry. I never meant to insult or disgrace Christians. I am a Christian too.”
-Actress Ini Edo breaks down in teårs during IG Live session after the Christian Association… pic.twitter.com/yqJHGeHw7G
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 21, 2025
