Nollywood actress and producer Ini Edo faces massive backlash over her latest film, A Very Dirty Christmas. The movie, which just hit cinemas nationwide, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with critics accusing it of disrespecting Christianity. The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) are now demanding answers,and possibly a ban.
In a dramatic Instagram video, Ini Edo pleaded with authorities and the public not to pull her film from cinemas. “Just don’t pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch,” she begged, insisting that the movie doesn’t degrade Christians or Christianity. She even promised to withdraw the film herself if anyone could prove otherwise. But is this just damage control after a poorly chosen title?
According to Ini Edo, the title A Very Dirty Christmas was never meant to offend. She claims the film is all about family drama and has “no dirt in it.” But with a title like that, what did she expect? The uproar, she says, is all about the name,not the content. Still, many are questioning her judgment and the motives behind such a provocative choice.
It’s not just about faith,there’s big money on the line. Ini Edo revealed that investors have poured funds into the project, and the film is showing in over 70 cinemas. Pulling the movie now would mean huge financial losses. Is this a genuine apology, or just a desperate attempt to save her investment?
Under pressure, Ini Edo says she’s willing to change the title if that’s what it takes to keep the film in cinemas. “Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one,” she said, trying to distance herself from the controversy. But is changing the title enough to fix the damage?
She’s also issued a public apology to anyone offended, insisting there was no malicious intent. But critics aren’t buying it, especially after CAN’s President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, called the title “offensive and disrespectful” and demanded a review by authorities.
The NFVCB has responded to the outrage, confirming that they’ve asked Ini Edo to modify the title. The Board says it’s acting in the public interest and could pull the film entirely if necessary. This has left the film’s producers and cast worried about the future of their project,and their profits.
Despite the backlash, Ini Edo is doubling down on her Christian faith, claiming she would never intentionally offend her religion. But with the controversy showing no signs of slowing down, many are left wondering: was this all just a publicity stunt gone wrong?
As the debate rages on, Ini Edo is begging for a “fair fighting ground” and asking the public to judge the film by its content, not its title. But with the spotlight firmly on Nollywood’s latest scandal, it’s clear that A Very Dirty Christmas is anything but a silent night.
