₦airaland Forum

CAN Condemns Ini Edo’s Film ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ As Offensive To Christians, Calls For Regulatory Review
December 17, 2025
NEWS

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has faulted the title of a newly released Nollywood film, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas,’ describing it as offensive to the Christian faith and urging relevant regulatory authorities to review the production.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and should not be depicted in ways that undermine its spiritual significance.

Okoh said the use of the word “dirty” in reference to Christmas trivialises the celebration, which he noted 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 that although it recognises the value of creative freedom in filmmaking, such freedom should be exercised responsibly and with due sensitivity, particularly in a religiously plural society like Nigeria.

“CAN therefore calls on the National Film and Video Censors Board to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.

“CAN also urges industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria 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,” Okoh stated.

CAN further urged the film’s producer, Ini Edo, to be mindful of the concerns raised and take appropriate steps to address them. The association cautioned that trivialising sacred values, particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with moral and social challenges, could exacerbate divisions and undermine mutual respect.

‘A Very Dirty Christmas,’ produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, premiered in cinemas nationwide on December 16, 2025.

The film follows a family Christmas reunion that unravels due to unresolved secrets and past traumas, turning what is meant to be a festive celebration into a period of emotional turmoil.

SaharaReporters

Okoh said the use of the word “dirty” in reference to Christmas trivialises the celebration, which he noted symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption.

Ini Edo would be so happy for the free publicity for her movie...


And can is making absolutely no point on this matter in my opinion!

I don't know what to say.






Ini Edo beware

brain54:
Ini Edo would be so happy for the free publicity for her movie...


And can is making absolutely no point on this matter in my opinion!

You are correct... I wouldn't have known about the movie if not for this CAN's statements

Actress and film producer Ini Edo has said the title of her film, A Very Dirty Christmas, was never intended to demean Christianity or disrespect the Christmas season, following criticism by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

https://guardian.ng/life/ini-edo-breaks-silence-over-a-very-dirty-christmas-controversy/

Una no go condemn Chris Okafor who dey use him preek dabira and other pastorpreneurs moving mad with their preek wey no dey stay 1 place and of course the muslim terrorist killing Christians in the North,na ini edo film be una problem

Well this is Nigeria where anything goes. Please leave her alone.

SAMBARRY:
Una no go condemn Chris Okafor who dey use him preek dabira and other pastorpreneurs moving mad with their preek wey no dey stay 1 place and of course the muslim terrorist killing Christians in the North,na ini edo film be una problem

For once , I agree...this is the truth.

Make CAN find somewhere go sit down jor, misplaced priority, beta issue wey Una suppose put mouth dem no go find Una there , very useless occultic group

prinsam30:
Make CAN find somewhere go sit down jor, misplaced priority, beta issue wey Una suppose put mouth dem no go find Una there , very useless occultic group

Okay. Point taken. The LORD is our Shepherd

Try dirty Eid El Kabir or Mubarak.

SAMBARRY:
Una no go condemn Chris Okafor who dey use him preek dabira and other pastorpreneurs moving mad with their preek wey no dey stay 1 place and of course the muslim terrorist killing Christians in the North,na ini edo film be una problem

Aptly stated. They are quite on that because they into the same church business.
Okafor and other pastors are blackmailing and scamming people left and right.
The criminal association of Nigeria, CAN is quite because they are religious scammers.

You can't fight for God. Let the woman breathe.

Misplaced priority, The Christian genocide You can condemn.. Shane on CAN

Free advertisement for Ini

Christianity is a peaceful religion. imagine trying this with the other religion.

Omo it's free publicity for ini edo
What's wrong with the title
It's just used to depict the movie
Well people read meaning to every thing
CAN take a chill pill

The producers know better than try it with the birthday of prophet Mohammed (PBUH) because their heads will be off their necks before the news will be in nairaland.

Christian Association sef dey watch that kian fim!
Abi how Dem take know say e bad if them no watch am

When will CAN condemn Chris Okafor and other charlatans

Is this the priority?
Come to think of it. With the dirty GO's we have all over the place bleeping married women and financially milking the congratulations. I would have nothing else to say other than the Christmas is very dirty.

The liberality of Christianity is taking for a ride of mockery and ridicule. Perhaps, the most ridiculous and painful aspect of it is that this testament is an action that is exhibited by some Christians who ordinarily should defend the faith. CAN acted rightly because the sacrosanct of Christianity and anything associated with it is second to non. That movie must be censored, period!

Just imagine of all pressing issues. Christmas that's not even biblical but rather an adopted festival of merry making

CAN is the most clueless and useless body ever created in Nigeria where are they when these useless pulpit bandits are extorting Christians all over the nation they can't even call there dogs to other

I don't know what to say. Jj

Godspowerpro:
Okay. Point taken. The LORD is our Shepherd

Try dirty Eid El Kabir or Mubarak.

the religion of peace has no chill pills for things like this
thats blasphemy

CAN shouldn’t be dragging themselves in the manner of those we refer to as unbelievers.

moje4:
Christianity is a peaceful religion. imagine trying this with the other religion.

Everything no be competition. This is not a Messi Ronaldo debate

Very dirty Ini Edo rather.

APOSTLECHUMA:
The producers know better than try it with the birthday of prophet Mohammed (PBUH) because their heads will be off their necks before the news will be in nairaland.

but the last time I checked ini edo is a Christian 🤔

Una don dey fight for God now?

Na here dem prick go stand well

All the fake bishops that was used for elections. Not a word from CAN.

I don't like Nollywood stuff but I hope she release PART 2 just to piss these charlatans off.