Actors Guild Defends Ini Edo as CAN Criticizes Title of New Movie Dirty Christmas
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has publicly come to the defence of Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo following criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the title of her upcoming film, Dirty Christmas. The controversy has ignited widespread debate across social media and public forums, touching on issues of religion, artistic expression, and the limits of creative freedom in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
CAN, led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, had earlier expressed strong reservations about the film’s title, describing it as offensive to Christian values. According to the association, the phrase Dirty Christmas does not reflect the sacred meaning of Christmas and could be interpreted as disrespectful to the Christian faith. The remarks quickly gained attention and triggered mixed reactions from religious groups, filmmakers, and members of the public.
As the debate intensified, the Director-General of the National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB), Shaibu Husseini, confirmed that the movie had followed all required regulatory procedures and that its title had been duly approved in line with existing guidelines. While affirming that no laws were violated, he nonetheless encouraged Ini Edo to consider adjusting the title as a way of easing concerns raised by CAN.
In response, Ini Edo reportedly appealed to the censor board not to withdraw the film, expressing willingness to engage in dialogue and make adjustments if necessary. This gesture initially appeared to calm tensions until the Actors Guild of Nigeria released an official statement firmly backing the actress.
In a statement signed by its National President, Ejezie Rollas, the AGN described Dirty Christmas as a metaphorical and artistic work that should be evaluated in its entirety rather than judged solely by its title. The guild criticized what it described as a premature conclusion drawn without a full review of the film’s content.
The AGN emphasized that Ini Edo is a practising Christian who holds her faith in high regard, noting that there was no intention to ridicule or demean Christianity. According to the guild, the film seeks to portray real-life situations that often unfold during the holiday season, acknowledging that Christmas experiences can vary widely from one individual or family to another.
Part of the statement noted that it would have been more constructive for critics to assess the film after watching it fully, rather than focusing on the title alone. The guild argued that the title does not insult Christian doctrine but reflects the complex and sometimes challenging realities that people encounter during festive periods.
The Actors Guild also defended the NFVCB, stating that the board operates within a legal framework designed to balance moral sensitivity with artistic and creative freedom. It stressed that censorship decisions must be guided by law and fairness, not public pressure alone.
Concluding its statement, the AGN maintained that a full viewing of Dirty Christmas reveals no scenes or narratives that mock, ridicule, or undermine Christianity in any form. The guild called for tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect between religious bodies and creative professionals.
As discussions continue, the controversy surrounding Dirty Christmas has once again brought to the forefront the ongoing conversation about creative expression in Nollywood and how filmmakers navigate cultural and religious sensitivities in a diverse society like Nigeria.
