Nollywood film A Very Dirty Christmas has drawn criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), prompting a response from its producer, actress Ini Edo, and regulatory action by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
The film, released in cinemas nationwide on 16 December 2024, centres on a family Christmas reunion that turns tense as long-hidden secrets and past conflicts emerge. It was directed by Akay Mason and features actors including Eucharia Anunobi, Femi Branch, IK Ogbonna, Lateef Adedimeji, Nancy Isime, Wumi Toriola, and others.
In a statement signed by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described the film’s title as offensive to Christians, arguing that it trivialises the spiritual meaning of Christmas. The association also criticised the NFVCB for approving the film.
Following the criticism, Ini Edo, 43, issued a statement on her social media platforms on Thursday, defending the production and its approval process.
“Prior to the release of this film, all legal and regulatory requirements governing motion pictures in Nigeria were fully complied with, including securing the appropriate approval from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), amongst others,” she said.
Edo stated that there was no intention to disrespect Christianity or the Christmas season. “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,” she added.
She explained that the title was metaphorical and linked to the story’s themes. According to her, “The title of the film is metaphorical, reflecting the story being told and the realities explored within it.”
Edo also noted that the film had been publicly promoted for weeks before its release without objections. “It is also important to note that we have since been publicly promoting this film, with its title clearly visible across multiple media platforms. During this entire period, no concerns or objections were raised,” she said.
The NFVCB, in a statement issued in Abuja, acknowledged the public concerns raised by CAN and others, although it said it had not received a formal complaint from the association.
The board stated that the film was approved after undergoing the established censorship and classification process. It said the approval of the title “was not intended to disparage or trivialise the Christian faith or the significance of Christmas, but was considered as part of a fictional and creative expression.”
However, the NFVCB said it had engaged the film’s producers and requested a change to the title. According to the board, this was to “avoid interpretations that may be considered offensive to Christian sensibilities and to prevent any unnecessary religious tension.”
The agency also cited Section 39(1) of the NFVCB Act, which gives it the power to order the withdrawal of a film from exhibition for further review when required in the public interest.
Despite the controversy, Edo encouraged the public to watch the film and assess it in context. “I invite everyone to go to cinemas across Nigeria to watch A Very Dirty Christmas for themselves,” she said.
As of the time of reporting, the film remains in cinemas while discussions between the producers and the NFVCB continue.
