Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, has appealed to regulators and members of the public to allow her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, remain in cinemas, insisting that the film does not in any way ridicule Christianity.
In an emotional video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday night, Edo said the controversy surrounding the movie was based on its title rather than its content, urging critics to watch the film before passing judgment.
“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,” she said.
The actress stressed that she would take responsibility if the movie was found to dishonour God or Christians, noting that she would not associate herself with anything that disrespects her faith.
“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 added.
Edo explained that her movie was never meant to demean Christianity, adding that the film centres on family issues and secrets that unfold during the festive season.
“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 and revelations. It does not ridicule Christians,” she said.
Edo also expressed concern over the financial implications of withdrawing the movie, revealing that she had taken funds from investors and that the film had just been released across more than 70 cinemas nationwide.
“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 added.
She confirmed that the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) had asked the producers to change the title of the movie and said she was willing to comply, while appealing that the film should not be withdrawn from cinemas.
“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,” she said.
The actress apologised to anyone offended by the title, maintaining that there was no malicious intent, and reiterated that she is a devout Christian.
“‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ wasn’t meant to discredit Christians or Christianity. If it is really hurting anyone, I want to say I’m sorry. That was not the intention,” she stated.
Her appeal followed concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, which described the film’s title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith, and called for a review by relevant authorities.
Reacting to the controversy, the NFVCB said it had requested the producer to modify the title in response to public concerns, adding that it remained guided by provisions of the National Film and Video Censors Board Act.
Edo, however, insisted that she would never intentionally offend Christianity, appealing for understanding and fairness.
“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.
“All I’m asking is, don’t pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground. Let people watch it,” she said.
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