Nigeria’s Christian Association has condemned Nollywood star Ini Edo’s new film A Very Dirty Christmas, calling the title offensive to the Christian faith and demanding greater sensitivity from filmmakers. The backlash has ignited a storm of debate across social media, where opinions are sharply divided.
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said the title was “deeply troubling,” arguing that linking the sacred celebration of Christ’s birth with the word dirty diminishes its spiritual meaning. “Christmas is about purity, peace, and redemption. To brand it as dirty is to strip it of its essence,” he said in a statement.
The film, released December 16, portrays a family reunion unraveling under secrets and tension. Edo, who produced the movie, defended the title as a metaphor for messy family dynamics during the holidays. But critics insist Nollywood crossed a line by commercializing sacred traditions.
On Facebook, reactions have been fierce:
- “This is an insult to Christians. Would anyone dare call Ramadan dirty?” wrote one user.
- “It’s just a movie title. People need to stop being overly sensitive,” countered another.
- “Nollywood thrives on controversy. But this time, they’ve gone too far,” added a third.
- “CAN can suddenly speak up about a movie title but they have been silenced on Pastor Chris and actress Doris case,” another commenter noted, questioning the association’s consistency.
The controversy has also raised questions about the role of regulators. CAN asked how the National Film and Video Censors Board approved the title, urging stricter oversight to prevent similar disputes.
For many Nigerians, the debate goes beyond cinema. It touches on freedom of expression, respect for religion, and the boundaries of artistic liberty in a country where faith is deeply woven into daily life.
The uproar leaves audiences pondering: Should Nollywood be free to push boundaries, even at the risk of offending millions? Or should religious sensitivities set limits on creativity? And perhaps most provocatively, why does CAN speak loudly on some issues while remaining silent on others?
