In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said the title undermines the sacred nature of Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption. According to the association, attaching the word “dirty” to such a solemn religious celebration diminishes its spiritual significance and reduces it to something crude and sensational.
While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom and artistic expression, CAN stressed that such freedoms must be exercised responsibly, particularly in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria. The association noted that creativity should promote understanding, unity and mutual respect, rather than provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.
CAN also raised concerns about the regulatory process, questioning how a film with such a title was approved for public exhibition. The group called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain the circumstances under which the title was cleared, especially during the Christmas season.
In addition, the association urged industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders, to take a clear position on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that could offend faith communities.
The Christian body further appealed to 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 appropriate dignity. CAN specifically called on the movie’s producer, Ini Edo, to demonstrate 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,” the association said.
The controversy has sparked renewed debate about the balance between creative expression and respect for religious beliefs within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.