Ola Cardoso

Ola Cardoso also known as Mr. C (born 5 September, 1985) is a Nigerian cinematographer, creative director and music video director best known for his works on the films, God Calling, Banana Island Ghost and Breathe of Life, which won the AMVCA 2024 for Best Movie. He is also the founder of Cardoso Imagery, a cinematography and production company in Nigeria.

Early life
Ola was born on September 5, 1985, in Lagos State, Nigeria. Originally from Isale Eko, he spent most of his childhood in Surulere, in a middle-class family. He attended Ansar-Ud-Deen High School in Lagos and developed interest in music at a young age. He later enrolled in Clasicana Computer School, where he discovered a sound production software and found passion for producing music. In 2010, he graduated from M.T.I. and got his first job as a sound designer and sound engineer at Monster Music until 2012.

A few years later, Ola transitioned to shooting documentaries, music videos, TV commercials, and movies. Later, he enrolled in master classes with Shane Hurlbut and other cinematographers to gain more knowledge on production.

Career
Ola’s first major break in the industry came in 2014 with the music video for "Inshingini" by Seriki & Oritse Femi. In 2015, he engaged in his first film project, “Before 30”, a Nollywood television series. In 2020, he was a nominee of the AMVCA for best cinematographer, and the winner of the best lighting designer category, both for “God Calling”, a 2018 Nollywood film.

In 2023, he featured in Breathe of Life, which received 11 nominations in different categories for the AMVCA 10th edition.

Cinematography

 * Breathe of life (2023)
 * Slum King (2023)
 * The Blood Covenant (2022)
 * Journey of an African Colony (2019)
 * Makate Must Sell (2019)
 * God Calling (2018)
 * Banana Island Ghost (2017)
 * Before 30 (2015)