Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Ini Edo, has tendered an apology to the Christian Affiliation of Nigeria (CAN) following public backlash over the title of her new film, ‘A Very Soiled Christmas’.
The apology got here throughout an emotional Instagram Reside session, the place the actress addressed considerations raised by CAN and members of the Christian group, who described the title as offensive.
Ini Edo defined that the title was chosen purely as a artistic expression and was by no means meant to demean Christmas or mock the Christian religion.
“If I had recognized that the title ‘A Very Soiled Christmas’ would trigger this sort of response, I might have modified it,” she stated.
Ini Edo Defends ‘A Very Soiled December’ Movie Title After CAN Criticism
“I need to sincerely apologise to CAN and the Christian group. I’m a Christian, and everybody on the manufacturing crew is Christian. We prayed and reverenced God all through the method. It was by no means our intention to insult or shame Christianity.”
She added that she was deeply affected by the backlash, saying she didn’t anticipate that the title would generate such damage.
“I can’t consider the film title is hurting individuals this a lot. That is me saying I’m sorry,” she stated.
The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) experiences that the household drama, launched in cinemas on December 16, sparked widespread criticism and drew an official grievance from CAN.
In a press release, CAN described the title as “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian religion, arguing that associating the sacred Christmas season with the phrase “soiled” undermines its non secular significance. The affiliation known as on the movie’s producers to rethink the title and situation a public apology.
CAN additionally expressed concern that the film obtained approval from the Nationwide Movie and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) for public exhibition.
Responding to the controversy, the Government Director and Chief Government Officer of the NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, confirmed that the board reviewed, permitted and labeled the movie on the premise that it falls underneath fictional and artistic expression.
He, nevertheless, famous that public notion stays a important ingredient of efficient regulation.
In response to him, the board has since engaged the producers on the opportunity of modifying the title, stressing that spiritual sensitivity, mutual respect and peaceable coexistence stay core concerns within the discharge of its statutory tasks.
