The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has responded to the call by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for a ban to be placed on a newly-released movie by actress Ini Edo.
The actors’ body spoke through its outgoing National President, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Rollas said in the statement: “This press statement is issued in response to the recent reaction by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) concerning a film associated with Ini Edo, a registered member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), a highly talented actress, and a respected creative filmmaker within Nigeria’s film industry.
“CAN is widely acknowledged as a moral compass and a critical voice in safeguarding Christian values. However, it would have been more prudent and constructive if the concerns raised were based on a full and contextual review of the film’s content, rather than conclusions drawn solely from its title.
“Christmas remains a sacred season symbolizing holiness, redemption, and hope. Yet, it is also a period shaped by diverse human realities and challenges, which naturally influence how individuals perceive and experience the season. Such diversity of perception does not undermine the sanctity of Christmas but reflects the complexity of lived faith.
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“Ini Edo is a committed Christian who holds her faith in deep reverence. It would be inconsistent with her values and character to intentionally disparage or diminish the Christian faith she sincerely upholds.
“As a creative professional, her work—like many artistic expressions—engages with real-life experiences that may not always conform strictly to conventional societal expectations. This should not be misconstrued as irreverence or hostility toward religion.
“The title Dirty Christmas is not an insult to the Body of Christ. Rather, it is a metaphorical and creative expression intended to portray the layered realities that sometimes accompany the season, without mocking Christianity or trivializing its doctrines.
“CAN’s statement indicates that concerns were also directed toward the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board regarding the approval of the title. Respectfully, the Censors Board operates within a clear statutory mandate and regulatory framework designed to balance moral sensitivity with freedom of creative expression.
“It is also pertinent to acknowledge that perspectives on Christmas differ even among Christian denominations, reinforcing the understanding that the celebration is not perceived uniformly within the faith.
“A complete viewing of the film confirms that it contains no scenes or narratives that ridicule, demean, or undermine Christianity. Any assertions to the contrary would therefore benefit from a more comprehensive engagement with the work itself.
“At this critical juncture, we respectfully encourage CAN to continue deploying its moral influence toward addressing far more pressing and painful realities, particularly the persistent violence and tragic loss of innocent Christian lives across various parts of Nigeria. These profound humanitarian concerns demand sustained advocacy, compassion, and national attention.
“We call for measured dialogue, mutual respect, and constructive engagement between faith institutions and the creative industry, allowing creativity to thrive responsibly while preserving the sanctity of religious values. Such an approach truly reflects the spirit of Christmas—peace, justice, understanding, and love, — and strengthens unity between religious institutions and the creative industry.”
