Ini Edo Releases Press Statement In Response To CAN's Outrage Over Her Movie
Nollywood actress Ini Edo, has released an official statement to address the outrage made against her cinema movie by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Recall that CAN, had expressed its disappointment with the title of Ini Edo's movie 'A Very Dirty Christmas,' stating that the movie title is insensitive to the festive and sacred period of Christmas, adding that it is both offensive and disrespectful to the Christian Faith.
In response, the movie star issued a press statement on her Instagram page, stating that the movie's title is art "at its highest form," which is meant to provoke thought, spark conversation and reflect the complexities of human experience, revealing that this was what birthed the movie title 'A Very Dirty Christmas.'
She further revealed that the movie had received all legal and regulatory requirements governing motion pictures in Nigeria, prior to its release.
Ini Edo further clarified that the movie was not made with the aim to demean, ridicule or dishonour Christianity.
The full statement read: "MEDIA STATEMENT 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.
Prior to the release of this film, all legal and regulatory requirements governing motion pictures in Nigeria were fully complied with, including securing the appropriate approval from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), amongst others. At no time was there any intention to demean, ridicule, or dishonour Christianity, the Christmas season, or the values held dear by millions of Nigerians.
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.
The title of the film is metaphorical, reflecting the story being told and the realities explored within it. Christmas, while sacred, is also a season that often reveals the contrast between appearance and truth, joy and struggle, virtue and humanı imperfection. Storytelling has always relied on contrast to encourage reflection-not to cause offense.
It is also important to note that we have since been publicly promoting this film, with its title clearly visible across multiple media platforms. During this entire period, no concerns or objections were raised. It is therefore surprising that reservations are only being expressed after the film has been released and duly approved by the appropriate regulatory authority Early engagement would have allowed for constructive dialogue and mutual understanding before now.
I acknowledge the concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and I respect the important role faith plays in our society. Nigeria thrives when dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect guide our engagements, especially at the intersection of faith, culture, and creative expression.
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 conted. I will continue to visit cinemas for meet and greet, so please look out for me at a cinema close to you. I can't wait to meet you and share this experience together.
INI EDO."