The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has defended its approval of the Nollywood film A Very Dirty Christmas, stating that a detailed review found the title does not insult or trivialise the Christian faith.
The Executive Director of the board, Dr Shaibu Husseini, made the clarification on Wednesday through a series of posts on X, following criticism from Christian groups over the film’s title.
Husseini explained that the film, including its title, was approved after regulators carefully examined the storyline and the creative intent of its producers. He said the board interpreted the title as metaphorical rather than literal.
According to him, the title was understood as a reference to human behaviour, moral contradictions and social realities that unfold during the festive season, and not as a negative description of Christmas as a sacred Christian celebration.
He noted that the assessment was carried out within the broader context of the film’s narrative and themes, adding that the movie does not depict, reenact, mock or trivialise the nativity, the birth of Jesus Christ or any core Christian doctrine.
“There is no scene, dialogue or imagery in the film that ridicules Christian worship or theology. In line with established regulatory principles, the NFVCB prioritises context and intent over isolated semantic interpretations when exercising its statutory mandate,” Husseini said.
However, he disclosed that the board had engaged the film’s producers in response to concerns raised by Christian organisations and communities. As part of the engagement, the NFVCB requested a modification or stylisation of the title to address public sensitivities without undermining the creative integrity or commercial value of the work.
Husseini noted that post-approval title changes are not uncommon in the film industry, citing the 2019 Indian film Judgemental Hai Kya, which was renamed after objections from mental health professionals.
He said the board’s action was in line with provisions of the NFVCB Act and aimed at preventing public misunderstanding and potential religious tension.
“Although discussions are ongoing, the producers have responded positively, and any steps eventually taken will be consistent with preserving goodwill among stakeholders and audiences,” he added.
The controversy followed the release and promotion of A Very Dirty Christmas, a Nollywood film produced by actress Ini Edo, which drew criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria and other Christian groups. The groups described the title as offensive, arguing that linking Christmas with the word “dirty” undermines the religious significance of the celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ.
They called on the producers to apologise and urged regulators to withdraw or review the film’s approval.
In response, the producers maintained that the title is symbolic, reflecting the moral conflicts and family tensions explored in the storyline rather than serving as a commentary on Christianity.
The film has continued screening in cinemas nationwide, even as public debate over its title intensified and prompted further clarification from the National Film and Video Censors Board.