Ola Cardoso is an award winning filmmaker, cinematographer and creative director, who set out to carve a niche for himself in the industry by telling impactful stories that contribute to the society and Nollywood.
Cardoso, who combines directing with producing has been around for a while and is best known for blockbuster movies like ‘The Blood Covenant,’ ‘Banana Island Ghost’ and ‘Breathe of Life,’ which won the AMVCA 2024 for Best Movie. Rather than in his achievements, Cardoso is not resting on his oars.
His incursion into Nollywood, according to him, was a mix of passion, timing, and the right opportunities. It all began when Akinola Bakare gave him his first Nollywood gig as the second camera operator on ‘Before 30.’ Cardoso said the project allowed him to get his hands dirty in the industry but also opened doors to some amazing relationships.
One of such relationships are Nemsia Studios’ BB Sasore and Derin Adeyokunu, who have since become more than collaborators.
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The founder of Film Bank Production, who recently told The Nation his cinematic journey says he’s always eager to take on new jobs.
“I’m a creative visionary with a deep passion for storytelling. I’ve spent years bringing stories to life through film, working both behind the camera and in production to shape narratives that resonate with audiences. My journey in the industry has been one of constant learning, collaboration, and pushing creative boundaries. I’m always eager to take on new projects that challenge conventions and allow me to explore fresh perspectives. Whether I’m directing, producing, or collaborating with other creatives, my goal is always to deliver work that’s meaningful, impactful, and inspiring,” he said.
On what inspires him, Cardoso said, “For me, storytelling has always been at the heart of everything. I’ve been fascinated by how stories, visuals, and emotions come together to create something powerful. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by the way films could move people, change perspectives, and connect on a human level. The ability to shape these stories visually is what drew me into cinematography and creative direction. Working on projects like The God Calling, Banana Island Ghost, and Breath of Life allowed me to explore that creative process on a deeper level. Each of these films pushed me to think about how visual elements can evoke emotion and amplify the story. Ultimately, it’s the challenge of translating a vision into something tangible and impactful that drives me every day. I wanted to be part of something that goes beyond entertainment—to create art that lingers with people long after the credits roll. That’s what inspires me.
Of all the film projects he has handled, Cardoso says ‘Breath of Life,’ is dear to him.
“Of all the films, ‘Breath of Life’ holds a special place in my heart. It’s a deeply personal project for me because it resonates with themes I truly believe in—hope, resilience, and the human spirit. The process of bringing that story to life was both challenging and rewarding, and it allowed me to push my creative boundaries in ways I hadn’t before. Breath of Life is more than just a film to me; it’s a reflection of the kind of stories I want to continue telling.”
His latest project, ‘My Pikin Dey Lagos,’ is currently generating a lot of buzz and he said the film also holds a special place in his heart, both personally and professionally.
He says the story deeply resonates with him because it reflects a real-life experience he has had.
“I was drawn to this film because it allows me to explore and convey the challenges and successes of pursuing dreams in the face of harsh urban realities. As the director, my goal was to authentically depict the protagonist’s emotional and physical journey. I aimed to highlight the contrast between the hopeful dreams of Lagos and the often difficult realities of city life. By blending intimate, character-focused scenes with the broader, sometimes harsh urban environment, I sought to create a narrative that is both deeply personal and widely relatable.”
He summed up his journey so far in Nollywood saying, it has been a journey of growth, resilience, and endless creativity for me.