By OYINTUTU OYINKOLADE

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has apologised to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) after her controversial movie title “A Very Dirty Christmas” generated backlash from the association and the Christian community.

The embattled actress apologised in an emotional Instagram Live session with her fans and followers.

Ini said she and her team are all Christians, adding that the choice of the title was a sheer act of creativity and was never meant to demean Christmas.

“If I had known the title ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ would cause a problem, I would have changed it.

“CAN, I am sorry. I never meant to insult or disgrace Christians. I am a Christian too. We are all Christians on the team. We prayed and reverenced God”.

“I can’t believe the movie title is hurting people this much. This is me saying, I am sorry,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the title of the family drama, released in cinemas on Dec 16 has attracted public backlash and a complaint from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

CAN, in a press statement, said the title is “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith, adding that it associates a sacred season with the term “dirty” and diminishes its spiritual meaning.

The Christian body therefore called on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title and issue a public apology.

CAN also expressed concerns that the film passed through the official scrutiny and approval of the NFVCB, regulatory body of the nation’s motion picture industry, for public exhibition.

However, Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/ CEO of NFVCB, confirmed that the board actually received, approved and classified the film based on the fact that it is an act of “fictional and creative expression”.

According to him, NFVCB also recognise and appreciates that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation.

He said the board has reached out to the producers for title modification, adding that NFVCB holds religious sensitivity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as core considerations in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities. (NAN)

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