The Christian Association of Nigeria has criticised the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive to the Christian faith and calling for a review by relevant regulatory authorities.
In a statement issued to the media, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Christmas is a sacred period commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and should not be portrayed in a manner that undermines its spiritual meaning.
According to him, the use of the word “dirty” in reference to Christmas diminishes the essence of the celebration, which symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption.
The statement partly read, “The Christian Association of Nigeria is deeply troubled by the title of the movie: ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, which it considers offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
“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 said while it recognises the importance of creative freedom in filmmaking, such freedom should be exercised with restraint and sensitivity, particularly in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.
