Ini Edo has lamented over attempts to pull down her new film ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) labelled it “offensive”.
The film’s title had drawn criticism from CAN, which
described it as “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith.
The association also called on the National Film and Video
Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how such a title was approved for release,
particularly during the Christmas season.
Edo earlier disclosed that the film’s title is metaphorical,
stemming from a messy family reunion during what was supposed to be a happy
Christmas, and was never intended to demean Christianity or dishonor God.
The filmmaker clarified that the production had fully
complied with Nigerian regulations, securing all necessary approvals from both
the NFVCB and the Nigerian Copyright Commission before its release.
However, in another address via Instagram, Edo, visibly
distressed, stressed her Christian faith, saying she was raised by her father
to be a devout believer.
The actress revealed that there are now active attempts to
cancel the movie’s screenings nationwide unless the title is changed.
She detailed the severe personal and financial toll the
development would take, noting that the film represents her primary work for
the year.
“The title is derived from just a family reunion that was
supposed to be a happy Christmas. But the messiness that happened in that
revelation was a metaphorical way of telling a story,” she said.
“And I strongly believe that. I have such strong faith.
Promoting that film for the time, that’s all I have done this year. It was
never to demean Christians, or disrespect Christians, or dishonour God.
“My entire team, we are all Christians. Before we start
work, we reference God because that is the premise on which we do everything.
“You have sent a letter. You have asked us to change the
title, or they are going to pull the films from the cinemas. They thought we
could handle it. But obviously, the composition is not growing every day.”
Making a direct appeal to CAN and cinema operators, Edo
proposed a compromise. She also outlined the logistical nightmare of a
last-minute title change, describing the process of recalling physical
promotional materials from 70 cinemas across Nigeria as an overwhelming burden.
“If you pull it, just because of the title, perhaps you
should see the film,” she said.
“If it dishonours Christians in any way, I will pull it. I
will bear the consequence. If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I
will pull it. I have just come back from two cinemas we went to see. It is
almost like what I am dealing with is not enough.
“There are 70 cinemas across Nigeria. We have to start
pulling out the printers, all the materials that have circulated the entire
country. How do I change the name? I do not want to change it. Just give me
some time. Don’t pull the film.”
The NFVCB had earlier said it has initiated discussions with Edo regarding a potential modification of the title.
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