The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has voiced strong displeasure over the title of a newly announced Nollywood movie, “A Very Dirty Christmas.”
In a statement addressing the controversy, the Christian body described the movie title as offensive, provocative, and disrespectful to Christian beliefs. According to CAN, the phrase used in naming the film undermines the sacred importance of Christmas and portrays a deeply revered Christian celebration in an inappropriate light.
CAN emphasized that Christmas is not merely a festive season, but a holy period that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone event in Christianity. The association explained that the season embodies values such as purity, peace, love, hope, and spiritual redemption, which form the foundation of Christian faith and practice.
The association further noted that associating the word “dirty” with Christmas distorts its spiritual essence and reduces a solemn religious observance to something sensational and degrading. CAN argued that such language trivializes the sanctity of the celebration and risks offending millions of Christians who regard Christmas as a deeply spiritual moment of reflection and worship.
CAN warned that creative expression should be handled with cultural sensitivity and religious respect, especially in a country as religiously diverse as Nigeria. The group urged filmmakers, including actress Ini Edo, who is linked to the project, to exercise greater responsibility when choosing themes and titles that touch on faith-based traditions.
According to the association, artistic freedom should not come at the expense of religious dignity, stressing that words carry meaning and influence public perception. CAN concluded by calling on stakeholders in the entertainment industry to uphold respect for religious symbols and values while pursuing creative storytelling.
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