“A Very Dirty Christmas” Movie Disrespectful to Christian Faith – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised strong concerns over a movie titled A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

In a statement, CAN President, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh, said Christmas is a sacred season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and embodies purity, peace, love, and redemption. He noted that associating such a holy celebration with the word “dirty” undermines its spiritual significance and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.

According to him, while CAN respects creative freedom and artistic expression, such liberties must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, particularly in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria. He stressed that creativity should promote understanding and unity rather than provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.

Most Reverend Okoh expressed concern that a film bearing such a title could pass through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny. He therefore called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, especially during the Christmas season.

He also urged the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other stakeholders in Nollywood to take a firm position on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that could offend faith communities.

The CAN President further appealed to the producers and promoters of the movie 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. He specifically called on the producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.

Okoh reaffirmed that CAN remains committed to peaceful engagement but will not hesitate to speak out whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined in the public space.