The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly criticised the Nollywood film A Very Dirty Christmas, describing its title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
In a statement issued on Friday, CAN said the movie’s title undermines the spiritual essence of Christmas, which it noted symbolises purity, peace and love. The film was released in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025.
According to CAN, referring to Christmas as “dirty” trivialises a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. The association’s president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the title turns a deeply significant religious celebration into something sensational and inappropriate.
Christmas is not just any holiday. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, who represents purity and cleansing, Okoh said.
Linking such a sacred event to something described as ‘dirty’ is, at the very least, offensive.
Beyond the title, CAN also questioned how the movie was approved for release, raising concerns about the role of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
The association said the situation calls for deeper reflection on how religious themes are treated within Nigeria’s film industry.
While acknowledging the right of filmmakers to creative expression, CAN stressed that such freedom must be exercised responsibly, especially in a country with strong religious sensitivities.
The group warned that content perceived as disrespectful to faith could further deepen moral and social divisions, particularly during a season as emotionally significant as Christmas.
CAN has therefore called on the producers of the movie, especially actress Ini Edo, to issue a public apology and consider changing the film’s title.
The association also urged the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the wider Nollywood community to set clear standards to ensure that religious symbols and themes are handled with care and respect.
According to CAN, the controversy goes beyond a single film and reflects the need for greater sensitivity in the entertainment industry when engaging with sacred moments and beliefs.
