Actress and producer Ini Edo has addressed criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) regarding the title of her new film, A Very Dirty Christmas.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Thursday, Ini Edo said the film was designed to provoke thought and reflect real-life experiences, not to disrespect Christianity or the Christmas season.
“Art, at its highest form, is meant to provoke thought, spark conversation, and reflect the complexities of human experience. It is in this spirit that A Very Dirty Christmas was created,” she said.
The 43-year-old actress explained that all legal and regulatory requirements were fully met before the release of the film, including approvals from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
“At no time was there any intention to demean, ridicule, or dishonour Christianity, the Christmas season, or the values held dear by millions of Nigerians,” she emphasized.
Ini Edo, who describes herself as a practising Christian, said her faith guides her choices and values, making it impossible for her to knowingly participate in work that undermines Christianity.
“The title of the film is metaphorical, reflecting the story being told and the realities explored within it,” she explained. “Christmas, while sacred, is also a season that often reveals the contrast between appearance and truth, joy and struggle, virtue and human imperfection.”
She expressed surprise that objections were raised only after the film’s release, despite the title being promoted publicly for weeks. Ini Edo acknowledged CAN’s concerns but stressed the importance of dialogue and mutual respect.
“I invite everyone to go to cinemas across Nigeria to watch A Very Dirty Christmas for themselves. See the story, feel the message and judge it in its proper context,” she added.
Earlier, CAN had described the title as offensive, questioning the use of the word “dirty” in relation to Christmas, and called on the producers to issue an apology.
The NFVCB also responded, stating that the film was approved following its standard review and classification process, and that approval was based on the narrative context of the film rather than the title alone.
