The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has addressed concerns surrounding its approval of the Nollywood film A Very Dirty Christmas, insisting that the title does not demean or trivialise the Christian faith.
The board’s Executive Director, Dr Shaibu Husseini, clarified the position on Wednesday through a series of posts on X, following backlash from Christian organisations over the film’s title.
Husseini explained that both the content of the movie and its title were carefully examined before approval, with regulators paying close attention to the storyline and the producers’ creative intent.
According to him, the title was understood in a figurative sense rather than a literal description of Christmas.
“During review, the title was interpreted as metaphorical rather than literal—understood as a reference to human conduct, moral contradictions, or social realities unfolding during a festive period, and not as an ascription of impropriety to Christmas as a sacred Christian event,” he said.
He noted that the assessment of the title was done within the wider context of the film’s narrative and themes, stressing that it was not intended as a comment on the religious celebration itself.
Husseini further stated that the film does not portray or ridicule the birth of Jesus Christ or any core Christian beliefs.
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“There is no scene, dialogue, or imagery within the film that ridicules Christian worship or theology. In line with established regulatory principles, the NFVCB places significant emphasis on context and intent over isolated literary or semantic interpretations when exercising its statutory mandate,” he added.
Despite the approval, Husseini revealed that the board had opened discussions with the film’s producers following concerns raised by Christian groups.
He disclosed that the NFVCB advised a possible modification or stylisation of the title to address public sensitivities “without undermining the creative integrity and exploitation of the work”.
He explained that post-approval title adjustments are not uncommon, referencing the 2019 Indian film Judgemental Hai Kya, which was renamed after objections from mental health advocates.
According to Husseini, the board’s intervention aligns with the NFVCB Act and is aimed at preventing public misinterpretation and avoiding potential religious tension.
“Though engagement is ongoing, we are pleased to report that the producers are responding positively, and steps that will eventually be taken will be consistent with preserving goodwill among stakeholders and audiences,” he said.
The controversy erupted after the release and promotion of A Very Dirty Christmas, a film produced by actress Ini Edo, which drew criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria and other faith-based groups.
Prompt News reports the groups described the title as offensive, arguing that linking Christmas with the word “dirty” undermines the spiritual significance of the celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ. They called for an apology from the producers and urged regulators to reconsider the film’s approval.
In defence, the producers maintained that the title is symbolic, reflecting moral struggles and family conflicts portrayed in the storyline rather than a commentary on Christianity.
Meanwhile, the film continues to screen in cinemas across the country as debates over its title persist, prompting increased public attention and regulatory engagement.
