The outgoing president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas (MON), has appealed to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for respectful dialogue and constructive engagement between faith institutions and the creative industry.
Rollas’ call comes in response to CAN’s criticism of Ini Edo’s latest film, A Very Dirty Christmas, which the association described as offensive. He emphasized that the film’s title is a metaphorical and creative expression exploring the complexities of the festive season, rather than an insult to Christianity.
In a 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 benefit from a more comprehensive engagement with the work itself.”
He explained that while Christmas symbolizes holiness, redemption, and hope, the season also reflects diverse human experiences and challenges. According to Rollas, these realities influence perceptions of the holiday without undermining its sanctity.
Rollas further highlighted that Ini Edo is a committed Christian, and it would contradict her values to intentionally disparage her faith. He urged that creative works portraying real-life experiences should not be misinterpreted as hostility toward religion.
Addressing CAN’s reference to the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, Rollas noted that the Board operates under statutory guidelines designed to balance moral sensitivity with creative freedom. He added that even within Christianity, perceptions of Christmas vary, reinforcing that artistic interpretations should be understood within a broader context.
The AGN leader concluded by advocating for dialogue that respects both faith sensibilities and the freedom of artistic expression.
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