Actor IK Ogbonna, one of the cast members of the newly released film A Very Dirty Christmas, has responded to criticism of the film title by the Christian Association of Nigeria.
CAN, led by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the title as “offensive and disrespectful” to the Christian faith, saying it undermines the spiritual meaning of Christmas, which symbolises purity, peace, love and redemption. The association said linking a holy celebration with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance and reduces a solemn observance to something crude and sensational.
On Instagram on Thursday, IK, who played the character Frankie, addressed the concerns.
“In light of the recent statement by the Christian Association of Nigeria, I feel it’s important to speak from my place as a cast member in A Very Dirty Christmas, where I played the character Frankie,” he wrote.
“Let me be very clear: the title of this movie was never meant to undermine the Christian faith — especially not our faith. I am a Christian. Many members of the cast are Christians. The producer is a Christian. The director is a Christian. At no point was this project created to mock, diminish, or disrespect the sacredness of Christmas.”
He said the title draws from the popular Detty December culture and that the film carries messages about love, forgiveness, self-worth, and the dangers of fake drugs in society. IK added that audience response has been positive and appealed for the film to be considered beyond its title.
“I respect the Christian Association of Nigeria and understand the concerns raised. Conversations like this are important. My humble appeal is that we allow the full message of the film — not just the title — to speak for itself,” he said.
Earlier on Thursday, the National Film and Video Censors Board reaffirmed its commitment to religious sensitivity, dialogue, and responsible film regulation.
The board said it had engaged the producers of the film and requested a modification of the title to avoid interpretations that may be considered offensive, while assuring the public that it remains guided by its statutory powers, including the option to withdraw a film for further review if necessary in the interest of the public.
