CAN Condemns Movie Title ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’

 CAN condemns movie title ‘A Very Dirty Christmas,’ calling it offensive to Christians and urging Nollywood stakeholders to act responsibly

The Christian Association of Nigeria has expressed outrage over the title of a new film, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

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In a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, the association said Christmas is a sacred season that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, representing purity, peace, love, and redemption.

Linking the celebration to the word “dirty,” the statement said, diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.

While affirming respect for creative freedom and artistic expression, CAN urged that such freedom be exercised responsibly, especially in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society.

The association criticised the regulatory process, questioning how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.

CAN called on the National Film and Video Censors Board to provide clarity on the approval process.

It also appealed to Nollywood bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria, to take a clear stance on the use of religious symbols and themes that may offend faith communities.

Furthermore, the Christian body requested that the film’s producer, Ini Edo, reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take steps to ensure sacred seasons and religious symbols are treated with dignity.

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“At a time when the nation faces serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect,” CAN added.