The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has publicly condemned the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, and is demanding a formal apology from its producer, popular actress Ini Edo. The association described the title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith and its sacred observances.
Sacred Celebration Under Scrutiny
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday and signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Christian umbrella body said that Christmas is a sacred season marking the birth of Jesus Christ — a time symbolising purity, peace, love, and redemption.
According to the body, linking this holy celebration with the adjective “dirty” trivialises its spiritual meaning and reduces what many Christians regard as a solemn observance to something “crude and sensational.”
Creative Freedom vs. Religious Sensitivity
While CAN acknowledged the importance of creative freedom and artistic expression in filmmaking, it emphasised that such freedoms should be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity within Nigeria’s diverse religious landscape.
“We respect creative freedom,” the statement said, “but that freedom must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, especially in a religiously diverse society like ours.”
Questions for Regulators and Industry Bodies
The association also raised concerns about the role of regulatory authorities, especially the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), questioning how the movie title was approved for public exhibition — particularly at the start of the Christmas season. CAN has called on the NFVCB to explain the approval process that allowed the title to pass through official scrutiny.
Beyond regulatory bodies, CAN urged Nollywood’s professional organisations, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), to take a clearer stance on the use of religious themes and symbolism in film titles and content to avoid offending faith communities.
Call for Apology and Title Review
At the centre of CAN’s demand is a public apology from the movie’s producers and promoters, specifically calling on Ini Edo to address the concerns raised by the Christian community. The association wants the producers to reconsider and possibly change the title to better reflect cultural and religious sensitivities.
CAN warned that trivialising sacred values — especially in a period of serious moral and social challenges facing Nigeria — may deepen societal divides and erode mutual respect among citizens.
About the Film
A Very Dirty Christmas — produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason — premiered in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025. Though the storyline centres on a family dealing with unresolved past traumas during the holiday season, it is the choice of title that has captured attention and sparked controversy.