Nollywood actress and producer Ini Edo has addressed concerns from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) regarding her film title “A Very Dirty Christmas”. She firmly denied any intention to demean Christianity or disrespect the Christmas season.

CAN previously criticized the movie title as conflicting with Christmas’s sacred meaning. The religious body stated the holiday celebrates Christ’s birth. They emphasized its representation of peace, love, and purity. Linking “dirty” to this holy season, CAN argued, undermines its spiritual significance. It transforms a solemn celebration into something crude, they contended.

While recognizing creative freedom in filmmaking, CAN stressed the need for responsibility. This is especially important in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society.

Ini Edo’s Detailed Response

In her Thursday statement, Ini Edo clarified the film’s purpose. She explained it aimed to spark reflection and dialogue, not offense. The actress confirmed all regulatory requirements were fulfilled before release. This includes approvals from the National Film and Video Censors Board and Nigerian Copyright Commission.

Identifying as a devout Christian, Edo stressed neither she nor her team intended mockery. Their goal wasn’t to ridicule Christianity or Christmas’s essence. She described the title as metaphorical, directly tied to the story’s narrative.

The actress expressed surprise at the timing of objections. Criticism emerged only after the film’s release and regulatory approval. “Art at its highest form provokes thought and conversation,” Edo stated. It reflects human experience’s complexities, she added.

She reiterated her personal Christian faith guides her values and choices. Edo would never intentionally disrespect her religion or Christmas. The title highlights contrasts during the season, she explained. These include appearance versus truth and joy versus struggle.

The actress concluded by acknowledging CAN’s concerns. She respected faith’s important role in Nigerian society, she emphasized.