The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has formally voiced its disapproval of a new Nollywood production titled “A Very Dirty Christmas,” labeling the name offensive and calling for an immediate regulatory intervention.
Released in cinemas on December 16, 2025, the film—produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason—focuses on a family reunion marred by trauma and secrets. However, the religious body argues that the title crosses a line.
In a statement released on Tuesday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh emphasized that the holiday is a holy time that should not be depicted in a way that erodes its spiritual significance.
The Archbishop noted that the term “dirty” contradicts the values of the season, which represent purity and love.
The official statement read:“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 association further explained their stance on the sanctity of the holiday:“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.”
While CAN acknowledged the need for creative freedom, it maintained that filmmakers must show restraint in a religiously sensitive nation.
Consequently, the body is seeking answers from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB):“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.”
The Archbishop also challenged industry leaders, such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), to establish boundaries regarding religious symbols.
He appealed directly to Ini Edo to address these concerns, warning that mocking sacred values during a time of national moral challenges could “deepen divisions and weaken mutual respect.”
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