Abuja: The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has officially requested a title modification for the film ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ from its producers. Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director and CEO of the board, revealed this development during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the film, produced by Nollywood actress Ini Edo and released in cinemas on December 16, has faced public backlash and a formal complaint from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). CAN criticized the film’s title, describing it as ‘offensive and a mockery’ of the Christian faith, arguing that it diminishes the spiritual significance of Christmas by associating a sacred season with the word ‘dirty’.
The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged the film’s producers and promoters to reconsider the title and issue a public apology. They also raised concerns regarding the film title’s approval by the NFVCB, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the nation’s motion picture industry.
Dr. Husseini explained that the film’s title was approved as an act of ‘fictional and creative expression’. He noted that the board had evaluated and classified the film in accordance with its existing laws and guidelines, based on the plot and general content, rather than any intent to trivialize the Christian faith or the importance of Christmas.
Husseini emphasized the importance of public perception and reception in effective regulation and confirmed that the board had reached out to the producers for a title modification. He stated, ‘We have heard their concern, and we have to reason together because there is no way we will not listen to the concern raised by a very important religious body like CAN.’
Husseini further explained that the NFVCB’s decision aligns with Section 39(1), which allows the Film Censorship Committee to withdraw a film from exhibition for further review if deemed necessary in the public interest. While there was no formal communication from CAN to the NFVCB, the board is addressing issues previously highlighted in the media.
Reassuring the Christian community and the public, Husseini stated that the NFVCB values religious sensitivity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence as core elements of its responsibilities. He emphasized Nigeria’s strength in diversity and the importance of ensuring films do not undermine religious harmony or offend deeply held beliefs.
The NFVCB remains open to ongoing engagement with CAN, faith-based organizations, industry stakeholders, and the general public. It aims to ensure films in Nigeria promote understanding, respect for religious diversity, and national unity while supporting responsible creativity and artistic expression.
NAN reports that ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, directed by Akay Mason, revolves around a family Christmas reunion that devolves into emotional conflict as long-buried secrets and past traumas emerge.