Actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has made an emotional plea to regulators and the public, urging them not to ban her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, insisting that it does not mock Christianity.
In a video shared on her Instagram page, Edo begged critics to watch the film before judging, saying she would pull it down if it was found to be offensive.
“Just don’t pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch. Watch the film and come back and say that this film degrades Christians or degrades Christianity. Then I will pull it.
“If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences. I will not be part of something like that,” she said.
The controversy surrounding the film’s title has sparked concerns from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
Edo explained that the title was never meant to demean the Christian faith, saying the film highlights family conflicts and secrets unfolding, without ridiculing Christians.
“We chose ‘A Very Dirty Christmas.’ It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God.
“This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians.
“I did take money from investors to do this film. We have over about 70 cinemas nationwide. We’ve done print, media and digital. I don’t know how we are going to do it,” she said”, she added.
The actress, a devout Christian, apologised to anyone offended by the title, insisting there was no malicious intent.
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has requested the producer to modify the title.
“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 NFVCB said.
Edo has offered to change it, saying Christians are not the people she wants a problem with.
“They’ve asked us to change the title, or they’re going to pull the films from the cinemas. How do I change the name, the title? Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I will try to change the title. Just give us some time. Don’t pull the film.
“I am a Christian. Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I would never sit in a gathering where Christians are ridiculed,” she said.
She appealed for understanding, asking that her film be given a fair chance and not be pulled from cinemas.
“All I’m asking is, don’t pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground.
Let people watch it.”
