The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the title of a new Nollywood film, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, labelling it as “offensive and disrespectful” to the Christian faith and calling for an immediate review and public apology from the makers of the movie.
In a press statement signed by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the apex Christian body expressed disappointment that such a title could be approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.
The statement outlined CAN’s position in clear terms, asserting that the title fundamentally clashed with the essence of the celebration.
“Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love and redemption.
“Linking such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational,” he said.
CAN, while acknowledging artistic liberty, emphasised the need for responsibility in a pluralistic society.
“CAN respects creative freedom and artistic expression, but such freedom must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, especially in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria,
“Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs,” Okoh stated.
CAN further raised serious concerns about the oversight process, demanding accountability from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
“The Association is concerned that a film bearing such a title passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny.
“CAN therefore calls on the NFVCB to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition,” he said.
Furthermore, CAN urged industry stakeholders, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), to take a definitive position on the respectful use of religious themes, appealing to the film’s prominent producer, Ini Edo, to address the growing discontent.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria therefore calls on the producers and promoters of the film 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.
“In this regard, CAN calls on the producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.
“At a time when the nation is already facing serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect,” he stated.
CAN, therefore, reaffirmed vigilance in protecting the faith’s integrity in public discourse, “CAN remains committed to peaceful engagement but will continue to speak out whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined in the public space.”
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