The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed disapproval over the title of a new movie, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, describing it as offensive and a mockery of the Christian faith.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Wednesday in Abuja, the association maintained that the title diminishes the spiritual significance of the birth of Jesus Christ.
CAN therefore calls on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.
The association noted that Christmas represents purity, peace, love, and redemption, adding that linking such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.
According to the statement, while CAN respects creative freedom and artistic expression, such freedom must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria.
”Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.
”The association is concerned that a film bearing such a title passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny,” the statement read.
CAN urged industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders, to take a firm stand against the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.
The body specifically called on the producer of the film, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity to the concerns raised by the Christian community.
The association further demanded that the producers and promoters of the film reconsider the title of the movie, issue a public apology to the Christian community and ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with dignity.
”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.
”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,” it said.
