Pecohub Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, has tendered an apology to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) following public backlash over the title of her new movie, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’.
The apology came during an emotional Instagram Live session, where the actress addressed concerns raised by CAN and members of the Christian community, who described the title as offensive.
Ini Edo explained that the title was chosen purely as a creative expression and was never intended to demean Christmas or mock the Christian faith.
“If I had known that the title ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ would cause this kind of reaction, I would have changed it,” she said.
“I want to sincerely apologise to CAN and the Christian community. I am a Christian, and everyone on the production team is Christian. We prayed and reverenced God throughout the process. It was never our intention to insult or disgrace Christianity.”
She added that she was deeply affected by the backlash, saying she did not anticipate that the title would generate such hurt.
“I can’t believe the movie title is hurting people this much. This is me saying I am sorry,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the family drama, released in cinemas on December 16, sparked widespread criticism and drew an official complaint from CAN.
In a statement, CAN described the title as “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith, arguing that associating the sacred Christmas season with the word “dirty” undermines its spiritual significance. The association called on the film’s producers to reconsider the title and issue a public apology.
CAN also expressed concern that the movie received approval from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) for public exhibition.
Responding to the controversy, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, confirmed that the board reviewed, approved and classified the film on the basis that it falls under fictional and creative expression.
He, however, noted that public perception remains a critical element of effective regulation.
According to him, the board has since engaged the producers on the possibility of modifying the title, stressing that religious sensitivity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence remain core considerations in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
