By Prosper Mene
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the title of the newly released Nollywood movie A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as “offensive, insensitive, and disrespectful” to the Christian faith.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association expressed deep concern over the use of the word “dirty” in connection with Christmas, a season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolises 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 statement read.
CAN emphasised that while it supports creative freedom in the film industry, such expression must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, especially in Nigeria’s multi-religious society.
The body questioned the approval process, calling on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was cleared for public exhibition during the Christmas season. It also urged Nollywood stakeholders, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria, to establish clearer guidelines on the use of religious themes.
Specifically addressing the film’s producer, acclaimed actress Ini Edo, CAN urged her to “show sensitivity” to the concerns raised by the Christian community, reconsider the title, and issue a public apology.
