The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has publicly called out Nollywood actress Ini Edo over her new Christmas-themed movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, saying the film’s title is offensive and insensitive to the Christian faith.
In a statement released on Wednesday, December 17, and signed by CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the body said the title crosses a sensitive religious line and disrespects the sacred nature of Christmas.
Christmas Described as Holy and Sacred
CAN stressed that Christmas is a deeply spiritual season for Christians, marking the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolising purity, peace, love, and redemption.
According to the association, attaching the word “dirty” to Christmas strips the celebration of its spiritual meaning and reduces it to something crude and sensational.
The statement partly 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.
“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.”
Respect for Creativity, But With Limits
While acknowledging artistic freedom, CAN said such freedom must come with responsibility, especially in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.
The body stated: “Creativity should build understanding and unity, not offend deeply held beliefs.”
Questions for Film Regulators
Beyond condemning the title, CAN questioned how the movie made it through regulatory checks without raising red flags.
The association called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public release during a season known for heightened religious sensitivity.
Call to Nollywood Stakeholders
CAN also urged Nollywood bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), to take a clear stand on how religious themes and sacred symbols are portrayed in films.
The group said industry stakeholders must help ensure that movies promote unity rather than provoke division.
Demand for Apology and Title Review
In a direct appeal to the producers, CAN called for a rethink of the movie’s title and a public apology to Christians.
“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,” Okoh stated. “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.”
Ini Edo, who produced the movie, was specifically urged to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.
CAN warned that ignoring such concerns could worsen existing social tensions in the country.
The statement added: “At a time when the nation is already facing serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect.”
