The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised the title of a newly released Nollywood movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as inappropriate and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
According to the association, Christmas is a sacred period that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents values such as purity, peace, love, and redemption.
CAN argued that linking the celebration with the word “dirty” undermines its spiritual meaning and reduces a holy observance to something sensational and crude.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association acknowledged the importance of creative freedom but stressed that artistic expression should be exercised with caution and responsibility, particularly in a country as religiously diverse as Nigeria.
CAN emphasised that creativity ought to foster harmony and mutual respect rather than offend deeply held religious convictions.
The Christian body also raised concerns over how the film’s title passed through regulatory and professional review processes without adequate scrutiny. It therefore called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to clarify how such a title was approved for public viewing, especially during the Christmas season.
In addition, CAN urged industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other stakeholders within the Nollywood industry to clearly address the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may be offensive to faith communities.
The association further appealed to the producers and promoters of the movie to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take intentional steps to ensure that sacred seasons and religious symbols are treated with the respect they deserve.
Specifically, CAN called on the film’s producer, Ini Edo, to demonstrate sensitivity and respond to the concerns raised by the Christian community.
“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,” the association stated.
