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By Oscar Okhifo
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticislzed Nollywood actress Ini Edo’s newly released film titled “A Very Dirty Christmas”, describing its title as offensive to the Christian faith and questioning its approval by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
The film, produced by Ms Edo and directed by Akay Mason, was released in cinemas nationwide on December 16.
In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said the title diminishes the spiritual significance of Christmas and disrespects Christians.
According to Okoh, Christmas is a sacred season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolizes purity, peace, love and redemption.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria is deeply troubled by the title of the movie, “A Very Dirty Christmas”, which it considers offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith,” he said.
“Linking such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemnity of the season and also paints it’s religious observance to something crude and sensational.”
CAN also criticised the National Film and Video Censors Board for approving the film for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.
While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom, Mr Okoh stressed that such freedom must be exercised responsibly and with sensitivity in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society.
“CAN therefore calls on the National Film and Video Censors Board to explain how the title was stamped for public exhibition, especially at a time when Christians are commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ,” he said.
The association further urged Nollywood industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria, to take a clear position on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that could offend faith communities.
Archbishop Okoh also appealed to Ms Edo to be sensitive to the concerns raised and take steps to address them, warning that undermining sacred values amid Nigeria’s current moral and social challenges could deepen divisions and erode mutual respect among faith adherents.
“A Very Dirty Christmas”, centres on a family’s yuletide reunion that spirals into intense emotional conflict as long-buried secrets and unresolved traumas resurface, turning what should be a season of joy into a tense and dramatic encounter.
The film features an ensemble cast comprising Eucharia Anunobi, Femi Branch, IK Ogbonna, Lateef Adedimeji, Nancy Isime, Taye Arimoro, Josephina Otabor and Wumi Toriola, among others.