The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has lodged a strong objection to the title of the newly released film *A Very Dirty Christmas*, calling it offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. CAN argues that Christmas is a sacred season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and embodies purity, peace, love, and redemption. By pairing the holy celebration with the word “dirty,” the organization believes the title diminishes its spiritual significance and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.
In a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN’s President, the association affirmed its respect for creative freedom and artistic expression, but stressed that such freedom must be exercised responsibly and sensitively, especially in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society. CAN contended that creativity should foster understanding and unity rather than provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.
The association also expressed concern that a film with such a title was allowed to pass through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny. Consequently, CAN has 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. Additionally, CAN urges industry bodies, such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), and other Nollywood stakeholders to take a clear stance on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.
CAN has appealed to the film’s producers and promoters 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 trivializing sacred values can deepen division and erode mutual respect, highlighting the need for responsible and respectful representation of religious themes in the creative industry.
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