LAGOS (FN) — Nigerian actress Ini Edo broke down in tears after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) threatened to have her new movie A Very Dirty Christmas withdrawn from cinemas, arguing that the title was offensive to Christianity. The dispute has sparked a heated debate in Nollywood over artistic freedom, censorship, and respect for religious values.
The film, which premiered earlier this month, is a family drama centered on hidden secrets and generational conflicts. But CAN insists the title trivializes Christmas and misleads audiences into thinking the movie ridicules Christian traditions. The association petitioned the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to pull the film from circulation nationwide.
During an emotional Instagram Live session, Edo wept openly, pleading with authorities and the public to allow screenings to continue. “This film is a labor of love,” she said. “We are Christians ourselves. We would never insult the faith. Just don’t pull my film, please. Let people watch it.”
Edo explained that the title was chosen for dramatic effect, not to mock religion. She insisted the storyline focuses on family issues rather than faith. “If anyone watches and feels it dishonors God, I will personally withdraw it,” she added, underscoring her willingness to take responsibility.
CAN’s leadership described the title as “insulting and offensive,” warning that Nollywood must be more sensitive to religious sentiments in a country where Christianity and Islam dominate public life. The association argued that allowing such branding sets a dangerous precedent for filmmakers.
Public reaction has been sharply divided. Some Christians expressed outrage, calling the title disrespectful, while others defended Edo’s right to creative expression. On social media, the controversy fueled intense debate, with hashtags like #DirtyChristmas trending across Nigerian Twitter and Instagram.
Industry peers voiced concern about the financial implications of a withdrawal. Edo and her team invested heavily in production and promotion, and pulling the film could result in significant losses. Several Nollywood producers warned that censorship could stifle creativity and discourage bold storytelling.
The controversy highlights Nigeria’s delicate balance between artistic freedom and religious sensitivity. Nollywood, Africa’s largest film industry, has often faced scrutiny from religious groups over themes and titles. Past disputes have led to bans, edits, or delayed releases, underscoring the influence of faith on cultural production.
Observers note that the case reflects broader tensions in Nigerian society, where religion plays a central role in politics, culture, and daily life. Analysts say the dispute could set a precedent for how future films are judged, potentially reshaping the boundaries of creative freedom in Nollywood.
As the NFVCB reviews CAN’s petition, the fate of A Very Dirty Christmas remains uncertain. For Edo, the controversy is deeply personal. “This film is my heart,” she said through tears. “All I ask is for people to see it before judging.” Whether the movie survives the backlash or is pulled from screens, the episode has already ignited one of Nollywood’s most contentious debates in years.
