Actress and director Ini Edo has been asked by the National Film and Video Censors Board to change the title of her movie, “A Very Dirty Christmas.”
In a statement released by the NFVCB’s Executive Director and CEO, Shaibu Husseini, the Board appreciated the public’s and the Christian Association of Nigeria’s concerns on the movie’s title.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity,” the statement said, adding that the Board is aware of how crucial it is to make sure that movies shown there don’t threaten religious harmony or insult sincerely held views.
“The picture Censorship Committee reviewed the work within its narrative and thematic framework within the established censorship and classification process, which is how the picture was approved and classified, the NFVCB explains.
“The approval of the title was regarded as part of a fictional and creative expression and was not intended to denigrate or trivialize the Christian faith or the significance of Christmas.”
Nonetheless, the Board acknowledges that public opinion and response are important components of successful regulation.
“We have asked the producer to change the title in response to the concerns expressed by CAN and in the interest of open communication and responsiveness.”
The Board further reassured the public that it continues to be guided by the National Film and Video Censors Board Act’s provisions, particularly Section 39(1), which gives the Film Censorship Committee the authority to remove a film from screening for additional examination if it is thought to be in the public interest.
CAN had already criticized the film’s title. Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association’s chairman, called for an immediate examination by the appropriate authorities in a statement on Tuesday, calling it disrespectful to the Christian faith and offensive.
Okoh emphasized that Christmas is a holy time that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and represents innocence, harmony, love, and salvation.
He maintained that calling the festival “dirty” lessens its spiritual meaning and turns a serious religious celebration into something obscene and spectacular.
Ini Edo responded by saying that the movie did not intend to make fun of Christianity.
“I am a devout Christian,” she wrote in a social media post. My ideals, decisions, and way of living are all influenced by my own personal faith. I would never intentionally produce or be involved in any work that aims to distort, disparage, or undermine my faith or the spirit of Christmas.
The movie’s title serves as a metaphor for the narrative and the realities it explores. Even though it is a holy time of year, Christmas frequently highlights the contrast between virtue and human imperfection, joy and hardship, and appearance and truth.
The actress added that the movie had been “publicly promoting” for a while, with its title prominently displayed on various media outlets.
“No objections or concerns were raised during this entire period,” she continued. Therefore, it is unexpected that concerns are being voiced only after the movie has been distributed and properly authorized by the relevant regulating body.
“I invite everyone to go to cinemas across Nigeria to watch the movie for themselves,” Edo said, urging viewers to form their own opinions about the film. View the narrative, experience the lesson, and evaluate it within the appropriate framework.
Eucharia Anunobi, Femi Branch, IK Ogbonna, Lateef Adedimeji, Nancy Isime, Taye Arimoro, Josephina Otabor, and Wumi Toriola are among the actors in the Akay Mason-directed movie, which debuted in theaters on December 16.
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