CAN Challenges Ini Edo, Censors Board Over ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Film
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has taken direct aim at Nollywood star and producer Ini Edo and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) over the title of a forthcoming movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as provocative, offensive and dismissive of the spiritual essence of Christmas.
In a strongly worded statement issued from Abuja, CAN questioned how a title it considers derogatory to the Christian faith was approved for public exhibition—particularly during the Christmas season—warning that the decision reflects deeper lapses in cultural sensitivity and regulatory judgment.
Why the Title Has Sparked Outrage
CAN maintains that Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ, embodies purity, peace, love and redemption, and that associating the celebration with the word “dirty” trivialises a sacred religious observance.
According to the Association, the issue goes beyond creative wordplay. Film titles, it argues, shape public perception and cultural discourse long before audiences engage with storyline or context—making sensitivity at that level non-negotiable in a multi-faith society.
At a time of heightened moral and social pressures, CAN warned that such portrayals risk deepening divisions and eroding mutual respect.
Creative Freedom Has Limits, CAN Says
While acknowledging the importance of artistic freedom, CAN stressed that creative expression must be exercised responsibly, especially in a country where religion plays a central role in identity and social cohesion.
“Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs,” the Association stated, adding that it was troubled that the film’s title passed through professional, industry and regulatory channels without adequate scrutiny.
Regulatory Oversight Under the Spotlight
Beyond the producer, CAN’s intervention places significant pressure on the NFVCB, demanding clarity on the criteria used to approve the title for public release.
The Association also urged Nollywood’s self-regulatory institutions—including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other industry bodies—to adopt firmer standards on the use of religious symbols, themes and sacred seasons in entertainment content.
CAN specifically called on Ini Edo, as producer of the film, to demonstrate sensitivity to Christian concerns by reconsidering the movie’s title, issuing a public apology, and committing to more respectful engagement with faith-based communities.
A Familiar Fault Line in Nollywood’s Growth
The controversy once again exposes Nollywood’s recurring tension between creative provocation and cultural responsibility. As the industry evolves into a global content exporter, its narratives increasingly test social boundaries—sometimes without adequate anticipation of domestic reaction.
Faith groups argue that regulatory failure, not artistic daring, often fuels these disputes, turning creative works into avoidable cultural flashpoints.
BRANDECONOMY Insight
The uproar over A Very Dirty Christmas is not about censorship—it is about cultural intelligence. As Nollywood globalises, its creators and regulators must recognise that storytelling does not exist in a vacuum. Titles, symbols and timing matter. When regulatory gatekeepers underestimate this, they shift the burden to communities already sensitive to erosion of values. For Nollywood’s long-term credibility, creative boldness must be matched by cultural fluency and institutional foresight.
