Nigeria’s apex Christian body, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has condemned the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive and deeply disrespectful to the Christian faith.
In a strongly worded statement, CAN said Christmas is a sacred celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption, arguing that associating the holy season with the word “dirty” strips it of its spiritual significance.
The association warned that such framing reduces a solemn religious observance to crude sensationalism, a move it believes could hurt millions of Christians who regard Christmas as one of the most important periods in the Christian calendar.
The statement, signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, acknowledged the importance of creative freedom but stressed that artistic expression must be exercised with responsibility, especially in a religiously diverse society such as Nigeria.
CAN added that creativity should promote unity and mutual understanding rather than provoke or offend deeply held beliefs, noting that careless use of religious themes risks widening social and moral divisions.
Raising concerns over regulatory oversight, the Christian body questioned how the film’s title passed through professional and regulatory channels, calling on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how it was approved for public exhibition during the Christmas season.
The association also urged industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), to take a firm stance on the portrayal of religious symbols, while calling on the film’s producers and promoters to reconsider the title, issue a public apology and treat sacred seasons with greater dignity. CAN specifically appealed to the movie’s producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.
