The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has labelled the title of the new film, A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Nollywood actress Iniobong Edo, popularly known as Ini Edo as offensive to the Christian faith and is seeking a regulatory review of the film’s title.
In a statement released on Tuesday, December 16, CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the use of the word dirty in reference to Christmas undermines the sacred nature of the Christian celebration, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
He added that Christmas holds deep spiritual meaning for Christians worldwide, symbolising purity, peace, love, and redemption, and should not be portrayed in a manner that trivialises its religious significance.
“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 statement read.
While acknowledging the importance of artistic expression in filmmaking, CAN maintained that creative freedom must be exercised with responsibility, especially in a country as religiously diverse as Nigeria.
The association has formally called upon the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was cleared for public exhibition, particularly given its release during the Christmas season.
Furthermore, CAN urged the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other industry stakeholders to establish clearer guidelines regarding the use of religious themes to avoid offending faith communities.
Addressing the producer directly, CAN urged Ini Edo to consider the concerns raised about the film and take appropriate steps to address them.
CAN cautioned that downplaying sacred values at a time when the country faces moral and social challenges could deepen divisions and weaken mutual respect among Nigerians.
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