Ola Cardoso is a highly acclaimed Nigerian cinematographer, creative director, and music video director. He is widely recognized for his contributions to films such as The Blood Covenant, Banana Island Ghost, and Breath of Life—the latter earning the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) for Best Movie in 2024. As the founder of Film Bank Production, Cardoso has become a key player in Nollywood, known for his innovative visual storytelling and technical excellence.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Ola Cardoso |
| Date of Birth | September 5, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Filmmaker, Cinematographer, Creative Director, Music Video Director, Founder of Film Bank Production |
| Net Worth | $350,000 – $700,000 |
Early Life and Education
From a young age, Ola Cardoso was captivated by visual storytelling, fueled by his love for television.
Before venturing fully into filmmaking, he worked as a music producer and sound engineer with Monster Music, an experience that laid the groundwork for his future in cinematography.
While specific details about his formal education remain scarce, his background in music and visual arts has clearly influenced his cinematic style.
Career
Cardoso began his Nollywood journey as a second camera operator on the film Before 30, gaining valuable industry experience and networking opportunities with prominent filmmakers like BB Sasore and Derin Adeyokunu. This role helped him hone his craft and develop a distinctive creative voice.
Transitioning from music videos to feature films, Cardoso has been committed to enhancing Nollywood’s visual quality. His expertise in lighting, framing, and camera movement allows him to craft authentic and engaging stories.
His work on Banana Island Ghost demonstrated his flair for combining humor with striking visuals, while Breath of Life showcased his ability to capture profound emotional narratives.
More recently, he directed My Pikin Dey Lagos, a film reflecting the ambitions and challenges of youth in Lagos.
As the founder of Film Bank Production, Cardoso has established a reputable production company dedicated to producing high-quality Nigerian films.
Despite facing industry challenges such as fierce competition and funding constraints, the company has steadily grown and earned respect for its creative output and production standards.
Personal Life
Ola Cardoso prefers to keep his personal life private. His films often reveal a personal connection to the stories he tells, especially themes relating to urban life and dreams in Lagos, as seen in My Pikin Dey Lagos.
He values collaboration and has cultivated strong professional relationships that support his creative endeavors.
Ola Cardoso Net Worth
Ola Cardoso’s net worth is estimated between $350,000 and $700,000. His income streams include feature films, commercials, and music video projects.
Filmography
- Banana Island Ghost (2017)
- The Blood Covenant (Year unspecified)
- Breath of Life (2023) – AMVCA Best Movie Winner
- The God Calling (Year unspecified)
- My Pikin Dey Lagos (Director)
- Suky (2025)
- Seeking Justice (Hakeem’s Story) (2025)
Awards and Recognitions
- Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2024: Breath of Life won multiple honors including Best Movie, Best Director, Best Lead Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress
- Widely acknowledged for elevating the standards of cinematography and storytelling in Nollywood
- Recognized as one of the influential figures shaping the future of Nigerian cinema
Ola Cardoso’s evolution from a music producer to an award-winning cinematographer and director exemplifies his passion for storytelling and his dedication to advancing Nollywood’s cinematic artistry.
His work continues to inspire and redefine the visual language of Nigerian films.
