The National Film and Video Censors Board has requested actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, to modify the title of her film, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’.
The Board, in a statement issued by the Executive Director and CEO of the NFVCB, Shaibu Husseini, acknowledged concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria and members of the public over the film’s title.
The statement read, “Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and the Board is mindful of the importance of ensuring that films exhibited in the country do not undermine religious harmony or offend deeply held beliefs. The NFVCB clarifies that the film was approved and classified after undergoing the established censorship and classification process, during which the Film Censorship Committee examined the work within its narrative and thematic context. The approval of the title was not intended to disparage or trivialize the Christian faith or the significance of Christmas, but was considered as part of a fictional and creative expression.
“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 Board also assured the public that it remains 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.
CAN had earlier criticised the title of the movie. In a statement on Tuesday, the chairman of the association, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith, calling for immediate review by the relevant authorities.
Okoh emphasised that Christmas is a sacred period marking the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolising purity, peace, love, and redemption. He argued that associating the celebration with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.
In her response, Ini Edo stated that the film did not mean to ridicule the Christian faith. A statement she shared on social media read, “I am a devout Christian. My faith is deeply personal to me, and it guides my values, my choices, and my life. I would never knowingly create or associate myself with any work that seeks to misrepresent, disrespect, or undermine my religion or the essence of Christmas.
“The title of the film is metaphorical, reflecting the story being told and the realities explored within it. Christmas, while sacred, is also a season that often reveals the contrast between appearance and truth, joy and struggle, virtue and human imperfection.”
The actress also stated that the film had been “publicly promoting” for sometime, with its title clearly visible across multiple media platforms. She added, “During this entire period, no concerns or objections were raised. It is therefore surprising that reservations are only being expressed after the film has been released and duly approved by the appropriate regulatory authority.”
Calling on fans to make their own decisions on the film, Edo said, “I invite everyone to go to cinemas across Nigeria to watch the movie for themselves. See the story, feel the message and judge it in its proper context.”
The film, which was was directed by Akay Mason was released in cinemas on December 16, and features Eucharia Anunobi, Femi Branch, IK Ogbonna, Lateef Adedimeji, Nancy Isime, Taye Arimoro, Josephina Otabor, and Wumi Toriola, among others.
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