The outgoing President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas (MON), has appealed to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to embrace dialogue, mutual understanding and constructive engagement in addressing concerns surrounding Ini Edo’s new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas.
Rollas made the appeal while reacting to CAN’s criticism of the film, which the association described as offensive to Christian values. He maintained that the movie title should not be interpreted as an attack on Christianity but rather as a symbolic and creative expression reflecting the complex realities often associated with the festive season.
According to him, the title does not mock or undermine the Christian faith in any way.
In his statement, Rollas said, “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.”
He explained that while Christmas represents holiness, hope and redemption, it is also experienced differently by individuals due to varying life circumstances, adding that such diversity of experience should not be mistaken for disrespect toward the faith.
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“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,” he said.
Rollas also defended the film’s producer, noting that Ini Edo is a practicing Christian who holds her faith in high esteem and would not intentionally disrespect Christianity.
“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,” he stated.
Prompt News reports he further explained that creative works often draw from real-life experiences, which may not always align perfectly with societal expectations, but should not automatically be interpreted as hostility toward religion.
Addressing concerns raised about the role of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Rollas noted that the agency operates under a clear legal framework that balances moral considerations with artistic freedom.
“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,” he said.
He added that differing interpretations of Christmas even among Christian denominations further show that perceptions of the celebration are not uniform, calling for tolerance and understanding in such debates.
