By Ayo Onikoyi

Ola Cardoso is a Nigerian cinematographer, creative director and music video director best known for his works on the films, The Blood Covenant, Banana Island Ghost and Breath of Life, which won the AMVCA 2024 for Best Movie.

He is also the founder of Film Bank Production, a cinematography and production company in Nigeria. In this interview with Potpourri, Cardoso speaks on his cinematic journey, experience shooting Breath of Life, new projects and more.

What sparked your interest in cinematography, and how did you get started in the industry?

My interest in cinematography was kindled by my childhood fascination with TV—I was always glued to it. My journey into the industry is quite a tale, starting from my days as a musician, moving through music production, and sound engineering. The real turning point came when I began working with Monster Music as their sound producer/engineer. That experience ignited my passion for visual storytelling and set me on the path to cinematography.

How did you transition from music video direction to filmmaking?

Transitioning from music video direction to filmmaking was driven by my passion to positively change the perception of Nollywood. I’ve always believed in the immense potential of our industry and felt it was crucial to start somewhere, no matter how big the task. Just look at how Hollywood evolved—it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. Thanks to God, we’re making strides and pushing forward to elevate Nollywood to new heights.

What drew you to projects like “GOD Calling,” “Banana Island Ghost,” and “Breath of Life”?

What drew me to projects like “GOD Calling,” “Banana Island Ghost,” and “Breath of Life” was the opportunity to tell unique and compelling stories that resonate on a deep level. Each project offered a chance to explore different themes and perspectives, which I believe is crucial for the growth of Nollywood. I’m passionate about creating works that challenge conventions and push the boundaries of our industry. It’s all part of the journey to elevate our storytelling and make a meaningful impact.

How did you approach the cinematography and direction for each film?

For each film, my approach to cinematography and direction was rooted in understanding the core essence of the story. For “GOD Calling,” I focused on creating a visually compelling narrative that emphasised the spiritual and emotional journey of the characters. In “Banana Island Ghost,” I aimed to blend humour with a vibrant visual style to highlight the film’s unique tone. With “Breath of Life,” my approach was to capture the raw, intense emotions of the story through dynamic and immersive visuals. Each project required a tailored approach to bring out its distinct qualities and enhance the storytelling.

What was the most challenging scene to shoot in “Breath of Life,” and how did you overcome it?

The most challenging scenes in “Breath of Life” were definitely the Baby Fire sequences. But the honest truth is that the actors came incredibly prepared and gave their all, which made my job a lot easier. Plus, Director BB Sasore and I had meticulously planned most of the scenes during pre-production. This thorough preparation helped us navigate the complexities of those intense moments and ensure everything went smoothly.

What inspired you to establish Film Bank Production, and what services does the company offer?

I established Film Bank Production out of a desire to create a platform that could nurture and showcase unique, high-quality content. My inspiration came from seeing the potential for growth and innovation in Nollywood and wanting to contribute to its evolution. Film Bank Production offers a range of services, including film production, project development. Our goal is to support filmmakers at every stage, from conceptualising ideas to bringing them to life and getting them in front of audiences. We’re committed to elevating storytelling and helping push the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry.

How do you balance creative direction with business management and personal life?

I’d say that balance comes down to knowing my strengths and where my focus needs to be. I believe in dedicating my full attention to one thing at a time—whether it’s creative direction or personal life. When I’m in my creative zone, I stay fully immersed, but I’ve structured things so that I don’t have to juggle business management at the same time.

I’ve got a couple of people who handle the business side for me, which allows me to concentrate on my creative vision without distractions. This delegation frees up my mental energy and gives me space to recharge and spend quality time with loved ones when I’m not working. It’s about setting clear boundaries and trusting others to do what they’re good at, so I can focus on what I’m passionate about.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the film industry?

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the film industry is simple: if you truly want to be great, you have to understand that there are no shortcuts. The film industry requires relentless hard work, and you need to be prepared to dedicate yourself day and night to achieve something big.

The process is straightforward but demanding—shoot, edit, go again, and repeat that cycle over and over. It’s about embracing the grind. Each time you go through this, you get sharper, more refined. There will be failures, but they are part of the learning curve.

Stay focused on your craft, avoid distractions, and trust that consistency will lead to mastery. Surround yourself with a team that can support you on the business side so you can keep your full attention on perfecting your art.

How did it feel winning the AMVCA 2024 for Best Movie for “Breath of Life”?

Winning the AMVCA 2024 for Best Movie with “Breath of Life” was an unforgettable experience. I was actually in Abuja filming another project while the award night was happening, but even then, I knew we had something truly special. From the very beginning, every step of the process—conceptualizing, shooting, editing—was intense yet incredibly rewarding. What the team and I created felt like a masterpiece in every frame. I had a strong sense that the award was headed our way, especially when I looked at the other films in the category. We had poured everything into this project, and the recognition was a testament to the relentless effort. Winning was just the final touch to an already fulfilling journey

What impact has this recognition had on your career and future projects?

Winning the AMVCA 2024 for Best Movie with Breath of Life has been a game-changer for me. It’s not just about the recognition, but the validation of the hard work, persistence, and the belief that if you pour everything into your craft, the world will notice. This award has opened doors to even more exciting projects and collaborations.

In terms of my career, it’s pushed me to think bigger and take on projects that challenge me creatively. But it also serves as a reminder to stick to my philosophy—avoid shortcuts, keep working day and night, and repeat the process until it’s perfect. For future projects, I’m more motivated than ever to elevate my storytelling, explore deeper themes, and contribute meaningfully to the industry. This recognition is fuel, but it doesn’t change the core of how I work, we keep raising the bar.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or collaborations?

I’m excited to share that my directorial debut film, “SUKY,” is on the horizon. It’s a project I’m incredibly proud of—different and unique, and I can’t wait for you all to see this masterpiece.

As for what’s next, I’m already diving into new projects and collaborations. I’m always looking for fresh, innovative ideas and talented individuals to work with. Stay tuned; there’s a lot more to come!