Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, has appealed to regulators and the public not to withdraw her newly released movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, from cinemas, insisting that the film does not ridicule Christianity and urging critics to watch it before passing judgment.
In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday night, Edo repeatedly pleaded that the film should be allowed to remain in cinemas, stressing that the controversy was centred on the title and not 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.
“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 said.
Explaining the intention behind the title, the actress said it was never meant to demean the Christian faith.
“We chose ‘A Very Dirty Christmas.’ It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God.
“This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians,” she added.
Edo said the movie was only recently released in cinemas nationwide and warned that withdrawing it would have serious financial implications.
“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.
Her appeal followed concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the title of the film.
In a statement dated December 16 and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described the title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith, calling for a review by relevant authorities.
Reacting to the controversy, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) said it had requested the producer to modify the title of the movie, while acknowledging public concerns.
“However, the Board recognises that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation.
“In light of the concerns raised by CAN, and in the spirit of responsiveness and dialogue, we have requested the producer to modify the title,” the NFVCB said.
The board added that it remained guided by the provisions of the National Film and Video Censors Board Act, including Section 39(1), which empowers the Film Censorship Committee to withdraw a film from exhibition for further review if deemed necessary in the public interest.
Edo, however, maintained that she would never intentionally offend her faith, describing herself as a devout Christian.
“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.
She concluded by again appealing for understanding, saying, “All I’m asking is, don’t pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground. Let people watch it.”
