The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive to Christian sensibilities and calling for a review by relevant regulatory authorities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Christmas is a sacred period that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and should not be portrayed in a manner that undermines its spiritual significance.
According to him, the use of the word “dirty” in reference to Christmas diminishes the essence of the celebration, which symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption in Christian doctrine.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria is deeply troubled by the title of the movie, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, which it considers offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith,” the statement read in part. “Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love and redemption. Linking such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.”
CAN acknowledged the importance of creative freedom in filmmaking but stressed that such freedom should be exercised with restraint and sensitivity, particularly in a religiously diverse society such as Nigeria.
The association therefore called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to clarify how the title of the film was approved for public exhibition, especially during the Christmas season.
“CAN calls on the National Film and Video Censors Board to explain how this title was cleared for public viewing, given its potential to offend religious sensibilities,” Archbishop Okoh said.
The association also urged industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other stakeholders in the Nollywood film industry, to take a firm stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that could offend faith communities.
In addition, CAN appealed directly to the film’s producer, actress Ini Edo, to demonstrate sensitivity to the concerns raised by Christians and to take steps to address them.
The association warned that trivialising sacred values at a time when the country is grappling with moral and social challenges could deepen divisions and weaken mutual respect among Nigerians of different faiths.
The film, A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, was released in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025. It revolves around a Christmas family reunion that is thrown into turmoil by unresolved secrets and past trauma, turning what should be a festive season into emotional conflict.
