Nollywood Christmas Film Sparks Religious Backlash as Christian Leaders Demand Apology

A fresh cultural debate has erupted in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) publicly rejected the title of a newly released Nollywood feature film, A Very Dirty Christmas, which premiered in cinemas Nationwide on December 16, 2025.

CAN, led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the movie’s title as “offensive,” “disrespectful,” and diminishing to the spiritual essence of Christmas — a holiday that, in Christian doctrine, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolizes 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,” the ayssociation stated, calling on the film’s producers to reconsider the title and issue a public apology to the Christian community.

The movie, produced by Nigerian Actress Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason, reportedly follows a tense family Christmas reunion in which unresolved secrets and past conflicts turn what should be a festive gathering into emotional turmoil — a narrative some experts say explores modern family dynamics during the holiday season.

CAN’s criticism extends beyond the wording of the title. The association has urged Nigeria’s National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was allowed to pass regulatory approval, especially at a time when millions of Christians are preparing for the festive season.

Speaking on creative expression, CAN acknowledged the importance of artistic freedom in filmmaking but insisted it must be exercised with sensitivity in Nigeria’s multi‑religious context to avoid offending faith communities.

The group also called on industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders to take clearer positions on the respectful use of religious symbols and themes.

The Producers and the film’s promoter have yet to issue a formal response to the Association’s demands.

Global Mirror News will continue to monitor developments in this unfolding cultural conversation, which underscores ongoing tensions between creative freedom and religious sensitivities in Nigeria’s influential entertainment sector.