The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive to the Christian faith.
CAN called on relevant regulatory authorities to review the approval of the movie’s title, saying it undermines the spiritual significance of Christmas.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Christmas is a sacred period that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and should not be portrayed in a manner that diminishes its religious meaning.
According to him, the use of the word “dirty” in reference to Christmas reduces the essence of the celebration, which symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption.
The statement read in part, “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.
“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.”
CAN noted that while it recognises the importance of creative freedom in filmmaking, such freedom should be exercised with restraint and sensitivity, especially in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.
“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.
“CAN also urges industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other stakeholders in Nollywood to take a clear stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities,” Okoh stated.
The association further appealed to the film’s producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity to the concerns raised and take steps to address them.
CAN warned that trivialising sacred values at a time when the country is facing moral and social challenges could deepen divisions and weaken mutual respect among Nigerians.
A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, was released in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025.
The film centres on a Christmas family reunion disrupted by unresolved secrets and past trauma, turning the festive season into emotional turmoil.
