Abuja: Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has tendered an apology to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) following backlash over her movie titled “A Very Dirty Christmas.”
The title, which sparked criticism from the Christian community, was described by CAN as offensive and a mockery of the faith.
Edo, in an emotional Instagram Live session, clarified that the choice was purely creative and never intended to demean Christmas, stressing that she and her team are Christians.
“If I had known the title ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ would cause a problem, I would have changed it.
“CAN, I am sorry. I never meant to insult or disgrace Christians. I am a Christian too. We are all Christians on the team. We prayed and reverenced God”.
“I can’t believe the movie title is hurting people this much. This is me saying, I am sorry,” she said.
The title of the family drama, released in cinemas on December 16, has attracted public backlash and a complaint from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
CAN, in a press statement, said the title is “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith, adding that it associates a sacred season with the term “dirty” and diminishes its spiritual meaning.
The Christian body, therefore, called on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title and issue a public apology.
CAN also expressed concerns that the film passed through the official scrutiny and approval of the NFVCB, the regulatory body of the nation’s motion picture industry, for public exhibition.
However, Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, confirmed that the board received, approved, and classified the film as an act of “fictional and creative expression”.
According to him, NFVCB also recognises and appreciates that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation.
He said the board has reached out to the producers regarding title modification, adding that NFVCB considers religious sensitivity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence as core considerations in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
