The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has faulted the title of a newly released Nollywood film, titled “A Very Dirty Christmas.
“A Very Dirty Christmas”, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, was released in cinemas nationwide on December 16.
The film tells the story of a Christmas family reunion thrown into turmoil by unresolved secrets and past trauma, turning the festive period into emotional conflict.
Daniel Okoh, CAN president, in a statement issued on Tuesday, described it as offensive to the Christian faith and called for a regulatory review.
Okoh said that Christmas is a sacred season marking the birth of Jesus Christ and should not be portrayed in a way that undermines its spiritual significance.
He said the use of the word “dirty” in reference to Christmas diminishes the essence of a celebration that symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption.
“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 reads.
“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 association said it acknowledged the importance of creative freedom in filmmaking but insisted that such freedom must be exercised with restraint and cultural sensitivity in a religiously diverse society.
“CAN therefore calls on the National Film and Video Censors Board to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season,” it said.
“CAN also urges industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other stakeholders in Nollywood to take a clear stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.”
The association also asked to Ini Edo, film producer, to respond with sensitivity to the concerns raised and take steps to address them.
CAN warned that trivialising sacred values at a time of widespread moral and social challenges could deepen divisions and weaken mutual respect among Nigerians.