Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has publicly condemned the title of a newly released Nollywood film produced by actress and film producer Ini Edo, warning that it trivialises the spiritual essence of Christmas and demanding action from the film’s promoters and regulators.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described the movie’s title, “A Very Dirty Christmas,” as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith. The association argued that associating the word “dirty” with Christmas — a sacred season commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, representing purity, peace, love and redemption — diminishes its spiritual significance and reduces the holy celebration to something crude and sensational.
While affirming its respect for creative freedom and artistic expression, CAN emphasised that such liberties should be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, particularly in a *religiously diverse society like Nigeria. The association said it was “deeply troubled” by the title and questioned how such a name passed regulatory scrutiny ahead of its public release during the festive season.
CAN has specifically called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the controversial title was approved for public exhibition and urged the board to be more vigilant in safeguarding religious and cultural values. It also appealed to industry bodies including the Actors Guild of Nigeria to take a firm stance on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.
The association extended an ultimatum to Ini Edo as the film’s producer, urging her to reconsider the title and issue a public apology to Christians for what it described as an unnecessary trivialisation of sacred religious values. CAN warned that at a time when the nation faces serious moral and social challenges, actions that appear to undermine deeply held beliefs could deepen divisions and erode mutual respect among citizens.
“A Very Dirty Christmas,” directed by Akay Mason and produced by Ini Edo’s Minini Empire, premiered in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025. The drama film features a family Christmas reunion thrown into emotional turmoil due to unresolved tensions and past trauma — a narrative that CAN says should be marketed in ways that respect the festive season’s spiritual meaning.
As the controversy unfolds, many in both the entertainment sector and religious communities are watching closely to see whether the film’s title will be changed or if a formal response or apology will be issued by the producers or Nollywood stakeholders.
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