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 the Christian faith 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 way that undermines its spiritual significance.
He stated that the use of the word “dirty” in reference to Christmas diminishes the essence of the celebration, which symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption.
According to the statement, CAN is “deeply troubled” by the movie title, noting that linking a holy celebration with such a term reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.
While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom in filmmaking, the association stressed that such freedom should be exercised with restraint and sensitivity, especially in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.
CAN called on the National Film and Video Censors Board to explain how the movie title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season. The association also urged industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other Nollywood stakeholders, to take a clear stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.
The association further appealed to the film’s producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity to the concerns raised and take steps to address them. It 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.
A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, was released in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025. The film focuses on a Christmas family reunion disrupted by unresolved secrets and past trauma, turning the festive season into emotional turmoil.
