The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has voiced strong objections to the title of a new Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by actress Ini Edo, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Christmas is a sacred season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and represents values such as purity, peace, love and redemption. He argued that pairing the celebration with the word “dirty” undermines its spiritual importance and reduces a deeply revered religious observance to something crude and sensational.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria is deeply disturbed by the title of the movie A Very Dirty Christmas, which we consider offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith,” Okoh stated. “Christmas is a holy season marking the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolising purity, peace, love and redemption. Associating such a sacred celebration with the word ‘dirty’ diminishes its spiritual meaning and trivialises a solemn religious observance.”
While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom and artistic expression, CAN stressed that such freedoms should be exercised with responsibility and cultural sensitivity, especially in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria. According to the association, creativity should promote understanding and unity rather than provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.
CAN also raised concerns about how the film’s title received approval for public release, noting that it appeared to have passed through regulatory and professional bodies without adequate scrutiny. The association called on the National Film and Video Censors Board to clarify how the title was approved for exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.
In addition, CAN urged industry organisations, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other Nollywood stakeholders, to take a clear stance on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may be considered offensive to faith communities.
The association specifically appealed to the film’s producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity to the concerns expressed by Christians across the country and to address the issues raised.
CAN warned that at a time when Nigeria is facing significant moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values risk deepening divisions and eroding mutual respect among citizens.
A Very Dirty Christmas is a Nollywood feature film produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason. The movie, which premiered in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025, revolves around a tense family reunion during the Christmas season, where buried secrets and unresolved trauma resurface, turning what should be a joyful period into emotional upheaval.
