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Nollywood actress and producer Ini Edo has addressed the controversy surrounding her latest movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, insisting that the film’s title is not intended to ridicule or undermine the Christian celebration of Christmas.
The movie has sparked debates both within religious communities and the entertainment industry, with some critics expressing concern that the title trivializes a sacred holiday. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was among the groups that raised questions about the potential insensitivity of the title. However, many film industry stakeholders have argued that the reaction reflects a misunderstanding of the movie’s creative purpose rather than an attack on Christianity.
In a statement issued through the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), signed by outgoing president Emeka Rollas, the guild clarified that the title was not meant to insult Christian beliefs. According to the statement, the title is a creative tool intended to reflect the narrative arc of the film rather than to demean any religion.
During a private media screening of the movie at Filmhouse Cinema, Landmark, Ini Edo personally explained the reasoning behind the title. She stated that the title was designed to mirror the events that unfold during the Christmas period in the storyline.
“The whole idea was that it is Christmas and they are coming home to celebrate. The events that unfold during that period are what informed the title. It’s metaphorical and meant to spark curiosity,” she said, emphasizing that the choice of words was linked to the plot rather than to any religious commentary.
Edo also noted that commercial considerations played a role in the naming of the film. She explained that film titles often aim to attract attention and intrigue audiences without revealing too much of the storyline. According to her, the naming process would have accommodated concerns had they been raised prior to the film’s release.
The actress further revealed that the word “Dirty” in the title was initially intended to be spelled as “Detty,” a popular slang term, but that option was unavailable because it had already been trademarked. While she considered changing the title, she said it was too late to do so because the film is currently screening in more than 70 cinemas nationwide.
“I don’t want anyone to feel hurt by something that was meant to entertain. I respect Christianity deeply and would never intentionally disrespect it,” Ini Edo added, underlining her intention to celebrate storytelling rather than offend religious sensibilities.
Industry observers have noted that this is not the first time a Nollywood movie has sparked debate over its title or content. Filmmakers often face the challenge of balancing creativity, marketing strategies, and sensitivity to cultural or religious norms. In this case, Edo and her team maintain that A Very Dirty Christmas was crafted with the aim of entertaining audiences while reflecting humorous and dramatic events during the festive period.
As the film continues to screen across the country, Edo’s clarification appears to have eased some of the concerns, with many viewers acknowledging that the title is symbolic of the story rather than a critique of the Christian faith. Her explanation also highlights the growing conversation around how Nollywood movies navigate the intersection of art, religion, and audience perception, particularly during high-profile release periods such as Christmas.
By defending the title and explaining its context, Ini Edo hopes to shift the focus back to the film’s entertainment value and narrative content, ensuring that audiences engage with the story as intended rather than reacting solely to the wording of its title.
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