The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the title of a movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said Christmas is a sacred celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolising purity, peace, love and redemption.
The Association argued that associating the season with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance and trivialises a solemn religious observance.
While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom, CAN stressed that artistic expression must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria. It warned that creativity should promote unity rather than provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.
CAN also expressed concern that the film’s title passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny, calling on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how it was approved, especially for release during the Christmas season.
The Association further urged Nollywood stakeholders, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), to take a clear stand against the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.
CAN called on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and treat religious symbols and sacred seasons with dignity. It specifically appealed to the film’s producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity by addressing the concerns raised by the Christian community.
The Association warned that at a time of serious moral and social challenges in the country, actions that trivialise sacred values risk deepening divisions and eroding mutual respect, adding that CAN will continue to speak out whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined.