The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has justified its clearance of the Nollywood movie A Very Dirty Christmas, stating that the title does not undermine or insult the Christian faith.
Reacting to criticisms from Christian groups, the Executive Director of the board, Dr Shaibu Husseini, explained via posts on X on Wednesday that the approval followed a detailed review of the film’s content, themes, and creative direction.
Husseini said regulators determined that the title was symbolic and should not be taken at face value.
“During review, the title was interpreted as metaphorical rather than literal—understood as a reference to human conduct, moral contradictions, or social realities unfolding during a festive period, and not as an ascription of impropriety to Christmas as a sacred Christian event,” he said.
According to him, the board evaluated the title in relation to the storyline rather than as a direct statement about the Christmas celebration.
He further noted that the film contains no elements that mock, reenact, or trivialise the birth of Jesus Christ or any fundamental Christian beliefs.
“There is no scene, dialogue, or imagery within the film that ridicules Christian worship or theology. In line with established regulatory principles, the NFVCB places significant emphasis on context and intent over isolated literary or semantic interpretations when exercising its statutory mandate,” Husseini added.
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Despite this position, he confirmed that the NFVCB has opened discussions with the film’s producers following concerns raised by religious bodies.
He disclosed that the board suggested a possible adjustment or stylisation of the title to address public sensitivities “without undermining the creative integrity and exploitation of the work”.
Husseini explained that such steps are consistent with global film industry practices, citing the 2019 Indian film Judgemental Hai Kya, which underwent a title change after public criticism.
He stressed that the board’s action was guided by the NFVCB Act and aimed at preventing public misunderstanding and religious tension.
“Though engagement is ongoing, we are pleased to report that the producers are responding positively, and steps that will eventually be taken will be consistent with preserving goodwill among stakeholders and audiences,” he said.
The controversy followed the release and promotion of A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by actress Ini Edo, which drew objections from the Christian Association of Nigeria and other faith-based groups.
The groups described the title as offensive, arguing that associating Christmas with the word “dirty” diminishes the spiritual meaning of the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth.
In response, the producers insisted that the title reflects the moral conflicts and family issues explored in the film rather than an attack on Christianity.
The film remains in cinemas nationwide as discussions around its title continue.