A major Christian group in Nigeria is pretty pissed about a new Nollywood film title. The Christian Association of Nigeria, known as CAN, called out the movie "A Very Dirty Christmas." Their president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, released a statement calling the name offensive and disrespectful.
CAN argued that Christmas represents sacred concepts like purity and redemption. Linking the holiday with the word dirty, they said, wrecks its spiritual meaning and makes a serious religious event seem cheap and crude. The association acknowledged creative freedom but insisted it needs responsibility, especially in a place with many religions like Nigeria. They questioned how the title got past the National Film and Video Censors Board, the NFVCB, demanding an explanation for its approval.
The group called on film industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria, or AGN, to take a position on using religious themes in offensive ways. CAN directly urged the movie's producer, Ini Edo, to show more sensitivity. They want the title reconsidered, a public apology issued, and for religious symbols to be treated with proper respect. Their view is that trivializing sacred values just makes the country's existing social divisions worse.
CAN argued that Christmas represents sacred concepts like purity and redemption. Linking the holiday with the word dirty, they said, wrecks its spiritual meaning and makes a serious religious event seem cheap and crude. The association acknowledged creative freedom but insisted it needs responsibility, especially in a place with many religions like Nigeria. They questioned how the title got past the National Film and Video Censors Board, the NFVCB, demanding an explanation for its approval.
The group called on film industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria, or AGN, to take a position on using religious themes in offensive ways. CAN directly urged the movie's producer, Ini Edo, to show more sensitivity. They want the title reconsidered, a public apology issued, and for religious symbols to be treated with proper respect. Their view is that trivializing sacred values just makes the country's existing social divisions worse.
