The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed outrage over the title of a new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas.
CAN said it considers the title offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
The Christian body noted that Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love and redemption, adding that 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, in a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, its President, said while it respects creative freedom and artistic expression, such freedom must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, especially in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria.
It added that creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.
The association said it is concerned that a film bearing such a title passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny.
CAN therefore called 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 urged 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.
Furthermore, CAN called 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 urged the producer of the movie, 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 added.
