The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed strong reservations over the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive to Christian sensibilities and calling for scrutiny by relevant regulatory bodies.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the title undermines the spiritual significance of Christmas, a sacred season commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
According to Okoh, “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.”
“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.
While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom in the arts, CAN stressed that such freedom must be exercised with restraint, sensitivity and respect, particularly in a country as religiously diverse as Nigeria.
“Creative expression must be balanced with responsibility,” Okoh said, adding that filmmakers should be mindful of how religious symbols and themes are presented in the public space.
As part of its response, CAN called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to clarify how the film’s title was approved for public exhibition, especially during the Christmas season.
The association also urged Nollywood industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria, to take a clear and principled stance on the portrayal of religious themes in ways that may offend faith communities.
Beyond regulatory concerns, CAN appealed directly to the film’s producer, popular actress Ini Edo, to show sensitivity to the issues raised and take steps to address them.
The association warned that trivialising sacred values at a time when Nigeria is grappling with moral, social and economic challenges could deepen societal divisions and erode mutual respect among religious groups.
A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, was released in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025.
According to promotional materials, the film centres on a family Christmas reunion disrupted by long-buried secrets and unresolved trauma, turning what should be a season of joy into emotional turmoil. While the storyline suggests a metaphorical use of the word “dirty,” critics argue that the title itself has sparked controversy even before audiences engage with the film’s themes.
As of press time, neither the film’s producers nor the National Film and Video Censors Board had issued an official response to CAN’s concerns.