The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has described the movie titled “A very dirty Christmas’ as offensive and disrespectful to Christians.
This was made known in a statement signed by the President of the association, Archbishop Daniel Okoh and made available to Church Times on Wednesday December 17
“A very dirty Christmas’ is a -new Nollywood (Nigerian) drama/thriller produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason. It was released in cinemas on December 16 2025.
But CAN contends that “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 stating that CAN creative freedom and artistic expression, the body noted that such freedom must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, especially in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria. ‘Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.” The body stayed.
The Association expressed concern. that a film bearing such a title passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny.
It then called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.
It also urged industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) 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.
The Christian body further called on the producers and promoters of the film ‘to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take deliberate steps to ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with the dignity they deserve. In this regard, CAN calls on the producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.”
The body noted that the nation is already facing serious moral and social challenges adding that auch titled movie would further deepen division and erode mutual respect.