Popular Nigerian Nollywood Actress, Ini Edo has officially taken to social media to address the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)'s outrage, claims and criticisms about her controversial Christmas Movie, saying that it was meant to provoke thought.
The actress broke her silence amid her new movie "A Very Dirty Christmas", following CAN's outburst over the context as the Nigerian Christian body described the title as offensive and disrespectful. In a recent update, the mum of one explained the essence of art and how it highlights the complexities of human experience.
CAN had earlier expressed outrage over the title of the film, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. According to the Christian body, Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love, and redemption.
It added that linking such a holy celebration with the word "dirty" diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.
CAN also called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to "explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season."
Based off this, Ini Edo has responded to the criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Reacting to the backlash, she released an official statement on her social media pages, explaining the intention behind the movie and its title. She said the film was created to spark conversation and reflect real-life human experiences, stressing that art often uses contrast to encourage reflection. The actress noted that all necessary legal and regulatory approvals were obtained before the movie was released, including clearance 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, Christmas's essence, or the values held dear by millions of Nigerians," she stated. Ini Edo also revealed that she is a devout Christian and would never knowingly be involved in any project that disrespects her faith or Christmas's essence.
According to her, the movie's title is metaphorical and reflects the themes explored in the story. She further expressed surprise that objections were raised only after the movie had been released, despite the title being openly promoted across various media platforms for some time. Acknowledging CAN's concerns, the actress emphasised the importance of dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect, especially when faith and creative expression intersect.
Ini Edo invited Nigerians to watch the movie in cinemas and judge it based on its full context. She also announced plans to visit cinemas across the country for meet-and-greet sessions with fans. "See the story, feel the message, and judge it in its proper context," she said. Read more:
Sharing the media statement online, she captioned it: "My beautiful people, let's not be distracted. The film is a masterpiece. Please come out to watch and support your girl. "A Very Dirty Christmas is showing in all cinemas nationwide. Tell a friend to tell a friend.
"Art is meant to challenge, not just comfort. Thank you for standing your ground with clarity, faith, and integrity. Those who truly understand storytelling will get it. Well done 👏🏽🔥." uchenna3175 said: "Faith is not threatened by conversation or creativity. Thank you for explaining your heart, your process, and your respect for Christianity. Proud of this work
The Christian Association of Nigeria stated that the title of a new Christmas-themed movie crosses a sensitive religious line The Christian body, in a strongly worded letter, questioned how regulators approved the film for festive release They urged the producers of the movie to apologise and rethink the title to avoid deepening divisions
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has taken a strong stance against the title of Ini Edo's newly released movie, A Very Dirty Christmas. It described it as offensive to the Christian faith and inappropriate for the sacred season. This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday, December 17, and signed by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh. CAN slams Ini Edo's movie title, says it disrespects the meaning of Christmas.
The umbrella Christian body said it was deeply disturbed by the choice of words used in the actress' movie to describe Christmas,
It described the season as holy and spiritually significant.
According to CAN, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolises purity, peace, love, and redemption. The association argued that attaching the word "dirty" to such a solemn celebration strips it of its spiritual meaning and reduces it to something crude and sensational. The statement noted that while the Christian community respects creative freedom and artistic expression, such liberty must be exercised with responsibility, especially in a country as religiously diverse as Nigeria. The body stated:
Creativity should build understanding and unity, not offend deeply held beliefs." Beyond condemning the title, CAN expressed concern over how the movie passed through professional and regulatory channels without being flagged. The association specifically called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season, when religious sensitivity is heightened.
CAN also urged industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders to take a firm position on how religious themes and sacred symbols are portrayed in films. CAN calls for apology and title rethink In a direct appeal to the film's producers, CAN called for an immediate reconsideration of the title and a public apology to the Christian community. The association also singled out the producer of the movie, popular actress Ini Edo, urging her to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised. According to CAN, such steps are necessary to preserve mutual respect and prevent unnecessary tension at a time when the nation is already grappling with serious moral and social challenges.
The statement added: "At a time when the nation is already facing serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect."
CAN calls on Ini Edo to apologise or change the title of her movie.
It described the season as holy and spiritually significant.
According to CAN, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolises purity, peace, love, and redemption. The association argued that attaching the word "dirty" to such a solemn celebration strips it of its spiritual meaning and reduces it to something crude and sensational. The statement noted that while the Christian community respects creative freedom and artistic expression, such liberty must be exercised with responsibility, especially in a country as religiously diverse as Nigeria. The body stated:
Creativity should build understanding and unity, not offend deeply held beliefs." Beyond condemning the title, CAN expressed concern over how the movie passed through professional and regulatory channels without being flagged. The association specifically called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season, when religious sensitivity is heightened.
CAN also urged industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders to take a firm position on how religious themes and sacred symbols are portrayed in films. CAN calls for apology and title rethink In a direct appeal to the film's producers, CAN called for an immediate reconsideration of the title and a public apology to the Christian community. The association also singled out the producer of the movie, popular actress Ini Edo, urging her to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised. According to CAN, such steps are necessary to preserve mutual respect and prevent unnecessary tension at a time when the nation is already grappling with serious moral and social challenges.
The statement added: "At a time when the nation is already facing serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect."
CAN calls on Ini Edo to apologise or change the title of her movie.
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