Christmas Film Title Draws Sharp Rebuke From CAN
By DIANA CHUKWUKA
THE Christian Association of Nigeria has demanded a public apology and title review over the Nollywood movie A Very Dirty Christmas, describing the title as offensive and incompatible with the spiritual essence of the Christmas season. In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said the film’s branding reflects a troubling disregard for Christian values and religious sensitivity.
The association noted that Christmas represents purity, love and redemption through the birth of Jesus Christ, arguing that the use of the word “dirty” in connection with the celebration diminishes its sacred meaning. CAN said the title reduces a solemn religious observance to a sensational concept, raising broader concerns about how religious themes are treated in popular culture.
CAN acknowledged the importance of artistic liberty but emphasised that such freedom should be balanced with responsibility. It warned that insensitive creative choices can provoke avoidable tensions in a pluralistic society and undermine efforts at peaceful coexistence.
The association also criticised the apparent lapses in regulatory oversight, calling on the National Film and Video Censors Board to account for its approval of the film’s title. CAN urged the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other industry stakeholders to promote respect for religious symbols and appealed directly to the producer, Ini Edo, to respond constructively to the concerns raised. The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement but vowed to continue speaking out whenever the Christian faith is undermined in public discourse.
