The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed strong objections to the title of a newly released movie, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, deeming it offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. According to CAN, Christmas is a sacred season commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizing purity, peace, love, and redemption. By linking this holy celebration with the word “dirty”, the organization believes the title diminishes the spiritual significance of Christmas and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.
In a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN’s President, the organization emphasized its respect for creative freedom and artistic expression, while also stressing that such freedom must be exercised responsibly and sensitively, particularly in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria. CAN noted that creativity should foster understanding and unity, rather than provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.
The association has raised concerns that a film with such a title was able to pass through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny. As a result, CAN has called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to provide an explanation for how the title was approved for public exhibition, especially during the Christmas season. Additionally, CAN has urged industry bodies, such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), and other stakeholders in Nollywood to take a clear stance on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.
CAN has also appealed to the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take deliberate steps to ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with dignity. Specifically, the organization has urged the movie’s producer, Ini Edo, to demonstrate sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community. With Nigeria already facing significant moral and social challenges, CAN believes that actions trivializing sacred values can deepen division and erode mutual respect. The association’s stance highlights the need for responsible and respectful representation of religious themes in the creative industry.
