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As Nollywood continues to grow in scale and sophistication, the role of cinematographers has become more critical than ever. In 2025, a handful of visionary DPs (directors of photography) helped define the visual language of Nigerian cinema, blending technical precision with artistic intent.
Among the most influential were Idowu Adedapo, Muyiwa Oyedele, Barnabas Emordi, Emmanuel Igbekele, and Okwong Fadamana, each leaving a distinct mark on the industry and setting trends that will shape Nollywood’s 2026 productions.
Idowu Adedapo, popularly known as Mister Views, showcased remarkable versatility across projects like Ori: The Rebirth, Iyalode, and Agesinkole 2. Alternating between ARRI Alexa 35 and RED Gemini/V-Raptor cameras, Adedapo emphasized story-driven cinematography rather than brand loyalty. His work demonstrated how careful camera selection, paired with the right lenses, could achieve diverse visual textures from epic sequences to intimate studio comedies.
For Adedapo, the camera serves the narrative, not the other way around, a philosophy that is increasingly influencing younger cinematographers in the industry.
Muyiwa Oyedele (Mr Movies DP) stood out with Reel Love, opting for the ARRI Alexa 35 combined with DZOFilm anamorphic lenses.
His approach prioritized clean, controlled images with cinematic depth, highlighting how technological choices could elevate romantic and dramatic storytelling.
Oyedele’s precision and attention to lighting underscored a broader trend in Nollywood: films are now judged as much by visual quality as by performance or plot.
Barnabas Emordi continued his work on large-format productions, including Lisabi: A Legend Is Born and Colours of Fire, using ARRI Mini LF with Canon Sumire and ARRI Signature Primes.
Emordi’s commitment to accurate rendering of darker skin tones, combined with expansive landscape framing, set a benchmark for inclusivity and technical excellence.
His work demonstrated that intentional lens and camera choices could serve both aesthetic beauty and cultural authenticity.
Emmanuel Igbekele brought mobility and innovation to projects like The Herd and Gingerrr, utilizing Sony Venice 2 and Sony Burano cameras with high-quality prime lenses.
His expertise in dual ISO technology and night-time shooting allowed for minimal lighting setups without sacrificing image quality, reflecting Nollywood’s growing interest in efficiency and post-production flexibility.
Igbekele’s work also showed that smaller, more agile camera systems could achieve cinematic results traditionally reserved for larger formats.
Finally, Okwong Fadamana leveraged RED cameras on films such as The Fire and the Moth, The Artifact, and The Boy Who Gave.
Fadamana’s preference for high-contrast, VFX-heavy, and outdoor-heavy projects highlighted how camera choice could adapt to narrative and environmental needs.
His mastery over RED’s high-resolution systems allowed filmmakers to explore ambitious storytelling without compromise.
Together, these five cinematographers illustrate Nollywood’s evolution toward intentional, story-first cinematography. In 2025, their work demonstrated that visuals are not merely decorative but essential to storytelling, influencing audience engagement and industry standards alike.
As 2026 unfolds, these DPs and their peers are poised to push Nigerian cinema even further, combining technical innovation, creative vision, and cultural authenticity to shape the next wave of box-office hits and festival successes.
Nollywood’s future, it seems, will be as much about the image on screen as the story behind it.
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