The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised the title of a new movie produced by Nollywood star Ini Edo, describing it as offensive and insensitive to Christian beliefs.
In a statement released on Tuesday, CAN expressed concern over the use of the word “Christmas” in the movie title A Very Dirty Christmas, arguing that the phrase demeans the sacredness of the Christian celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ. The association said Christmas is a holy season that represents purity, hope, and spiritual renewal, and should not be portrayed in a manner that suggests moral decadence.
According to CAN, while artistic freedom and creativity are protected rights, filmmakers also have a responsibility to respect religious sensitivities in a multi-faith society like Nigeria. The group warned that provocative titles tied to revered religious events could deepen divisions and fuel unnecessary tensions.
“We are not opposed to creativity or entertainment,” CAN said, “but freedom of expression must be exercised with a sense of responsibility and respect for the beliefs of others.”
The association called on Ini Edo and the movie’s producers to reconsider the title, urging Nollywood practitioners to be more mindful when referencing religious symbols and festivals. CAN also appealed to regulatory bodies, including the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), to ensure that movie titles and content do not offend the moral or religious values of Nigerians.
As of the time of filing this report, Ini Edo and the producers of A Very Dirty Christmas had not issued an official response to CAN’s remarks. The controversy, however, has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians backing CAN’s stance, while others argue that the title is merely fictional and should be viewed within the context of storytelling.
The debate adds to ongoing discussions about the balance between creative expression and religious sensitivity in Nigeria’s fast-growing entertainment industry.