The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has voiced strong objection to the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN emphasised that Christmas is a sacred season celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolising purity, peace, love, and redemption.
The association argued that linking the holiday to the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.
While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom, CAN stressed that such liberties should be exercised responsibly and sensitively, particularly in a country with diverse religious beliefs. “Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs,” the statement said.
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The association also expressed concern that the film’s title passed through regulatory and professional channels without sufficient scrutiny. CAN therefore 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.”
In addition, CAN urged industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders, to take a clear stance on the use of religious symbols and themes in ways that could offend faith communities.
The association further appealed to the film’s producers and promoters to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take steps to ensure that sacred seasons and religious symbols are treated with dignity. CAN specifically called on producer Ini Edo to “show sensitivity and address 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 statement concluded.