Nollywood actress and producer Ini Edo has responded to criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria over the title of her new film, 'A Very Dirty Christmas', insisting it was not meant to disrespect Christianity. The film, released on December 16, has sparked debate about creative expression and religious sensitivity. Actors IK Ogbonna and Rita Dominic have also come to its defence.
The controversy erupted shortly after the release of 'A Very Dirty Christmas' on December 16, 2025, in cinemas across Nigeria. Produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, the film explores a family Christmas reunion disrupted by hidden secrets and unresolved past traumas. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, condemned the title as 'offensive and disrespectful' to the Christian faith, arguing it undermines the spiritual meaning of Christmas, which symbolises purity, peace, love, and redemption.
In a statement released on Thursday, December 18, Ini Edo, a self-described devout Christian, clarified that the title was metaphorical, reflecting contrasts between appearance and truth during the holiday season. 'Art, at its highest form, is meant to provoke thought, spark conversation, and reflect the complexities of human experience. It is in this spirit that A Very Dirty Christmas was created,' she said. She emphasised compliance with all regulatory approvals, including from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and expressed surprise at the post-release objections.
'I am a devout Christian. My faith is deeply personal to me, and it guides my values, my choices, and my life. I would never knowingly create or associate myself with any work that seeks to misrepresent, disrespect, or undermine my religion or the essence of Christmas,' Ini Edo added. She acknowledged CAN's concerns and invited audiences to watch the film: 'I invite everyone to go to cinemas across Nigeria to watch A Very Dirty Christmas for themselves. See the story, feel the message and judge it in its proper context.'
Actor IK Ogbonna, who played Frankie in the film, echoed this on Instagram, noting that the cast and crew are mostly Christians and that the title draws from 'Detty December' culture while addressing themes of love, forgiveness, self-worth, and the dangers of fake drugs. 'At no point was this project created to mock, diminish, or disrespect the sacredness of Christmas,' he wrote. Rita Dominic urged viewers to experience the film fully: 'Artists have the right to creative expressions... I think it’s important to watch the film first before drawing conclusions.'
In response, the NFVCB announced it had engaged the producers and requested a title modification to avoid offensive interpretations, reaffirming its commitment to religious sensitivity and dialogue.
