The Christian Association of Nigeria, has condemned the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as disrespectful to the Christian faith and inappropriate for the Christmas season.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Christmas is a sacred celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ and should not be portrayed in a way that undermines its spiritual significance.
“Christmas represents purity, peace, love and redemption. Associating such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational,” Okoh said.
The association noted that while it recognises the importance of creative freedom in filmmaking, such freedom should be exercised with sensitivity, especially in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.
CAN also questioned the approval of the film’s title by regulatory authorities, calling on the National Film and Video Censors Board to clarify how it was cleared for public exhibition during the Christmas period.
“W call on the NFVCB to explain how this title was approved, particularly at a time when Christians across the country are celebrating the birth of Christ,” Okoh stated.
The association further urged industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other Nollywood stakeholders, to take a firm position on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that could offend faith communities.
CAN appealed directly to the film’s producer, Nollywood actress Ini Edo, to consider the concerns raised and take steps to address them.
“Trivialising sacred values at a time when the nation is grappling with moral and social challenges risks deepening divisions and weakening mutual respect among Nigerians,” the statement added.
A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, was released in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025.
The film tells the story of a Christmas family reunion that unravels due to unresolved secrets and past trauma, turning the festive season into emotional turmoil.
