The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has disclosed that it is in talks with the producers of A Very Dirty Christmas following objections raised over the movie’s title.
The move comes amid growing backlash from Christian organisations and members of the public, with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) recently voicing strong disapproval of the title.
CAN described the name of the film as offensive to Christians and argued that it misrepresents the significance of the Christmas season. The movie was produced by Nollywood actress Ini Edo.
In a statement released on Thursday, NFVCB Executive Director, Shaibu Husseini, admitted that the title has triggered intense public reactions. According to him, the board understands the need for religious sensitivity in Nigeria, where faith is deeply woven into social life.
Husseini noted that although the board has not formally received a petition from CAN, the concerns expressed by Christian groups and other citizens are serious enough to prompt direct engagement with the filmmakers.
He emphasised that the NFVCB’s role extends beyond issuing approvals, adding that the agency is also tasked with promoting mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.
The executive director explained that the film went through the usual censorship and classification procedures before being approved. He said the Film Censorship Committee reviewed the movie based on its storyline and underlying themes.
According to the board, the title was initially regarded as a fictional and creative choice, not a deliberate attempt to ridicule Christmas or Christian beliefs. However, the NFVCB acknowledged that public perception of creative content may differ from regulatory interpretation.
Reacting to the controversy, Ini Edo stated that the film was designed to provoke discussion and mirror real-life human experiences, noting that artistic expression often relies on contrast to inspire reflection.
She added that the movie received all required legal clearances before its release, including approvals from the NFVCB and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
The actress further explained that the title is symbolic and connected to the film’s themes. She also expressed surprise that objections only emerged after the movie’s release, despite the title having been widely promoted across multiple media platforms beforehand.
