The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed outrage over the title of a new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
In a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, the association emphasized that Christmas is a sacred season marking the birth of Jesus Christ, representing purity, peace, love, and redemption. Linking the celebration to the word “dirty,” CAN said, diminishes its spiritual significance and reduces a solemn observance to something crude and sensational.
While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom, CAN stressed that artistic expression must be exercised responsibly, particularly in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society. “Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs,” the statement read.
CAN expressed concern that a film with such a title passed through regulatory channels without adequate scrutiny. The association called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to “explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.”
The body also urged Nollywood stakeholders, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), to take a firm stance on the use of religious themes in ways that may offend faith communities.
Furthermore, CAN called on the producers and promoters of the film, particularly Ini Edo, to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with dignity.
“At a time when the nation is already facing serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect,” CAN added.
