NFVCB Defends Approval of Nollywood Film A Very Dirty Christmas

The NFVCB defended its approval of A Very Dirty Christmas, stating the title is metaphorical and does not insult or trivialise Christian faith

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has defended its approval of the Nollywood film A Very Dirty Christmas, following criticism from Christian groups over its title.

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The Executive Director, Dr Shaibu Husseini, explained on X that the title was cleared after a thorough review, which considered both the narrative context and creative intent of the producers. The board interpreted the title as metaphorical, not literal.

“During review, the title was understood as a reference to human conduct, moral contradictions, or social realities during the festive period, and not as an ascription of impropriety to Christmas as a sacred Christian event,” Husseini said.

He added that the film does not depict, mock, or trivialise Christian worship or doctrine, and that the NFVCB emphasises context and intent over isolated interpretations when exercising its mandate.

In response to public concerns, the NFVCB engaged the producers and requested modifications or stylisation of the title to address sensitivities, without undermining the film’s creative integrity.

Husseini cited the 2019 Indian film Judgemental Hai Kya, which underwent a similar post-approval title change after public criticism.

The controversy arose after the film, produced by Ini Edo, drew criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian bodies.

They argued that linking Christmas with the word “dirty” desecrates the religious significance of the celebration and called for a review of the film’s approval.

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The producers, however, defended the title, saying it symbolises moral conflicts and family tensions, not a commentary on Christianity. The film continues to screen in cinemas nationwide while public debate and NFVCB engagement continue.