CAN slams ‘Dirty Christmas’ movie, demands apology, explanation from censors board

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned a recently produced movie titled ‘Dirty Christmas’, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

In a statement signed by the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association expressed deep concern over what it described as an attempt by movie producers to trivialise the sacred Christian season of Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

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CAN faulted the use of the word “dirty” in connection with Christmas, stressing that the season symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption, and should not be reduced to crude or sensational themes for entertainment.

“The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is deeply troubled by the title of the movie: ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, which it considers offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

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“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.

“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”, CAN stated.

The association also raised concerns over how the movie was cleared for public viewing, questioning the role of regulatory authorities in approving the title, particularly during the Christmas season.

They said, “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 National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.

“CAN also urges industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other stakeholders in Nollywood to take a clear stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.

“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.

“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”.

CAN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, while urging stakeholders in the creative industry to exercise greater sensitivity when handling religious themes.

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