Nollywood diva, filmmaker and creative entrepreneur Olamide Oladapo is steadily carving a unique path in the industry. Rather than relying on the influence of her father, veteran actor Muyideen Oladapo (Lala), she has distinguished herself through talent, determination, and academic excellence. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, the Obafemi Awolowo University graduate and Trinity College Dublin alumna speaks about her journey, latest project, and passion for taking African storytelling to the global stage.

Growing up as the daughter of popular actor and filmmaker Muyideen Oladapo, did acting choose you, or did you choose acting?

I think acting found me before I consciously chose it. Growing up around my father and being exposed to storytelling from a very young age, performance was naturally part of my environment.

I watched scripts come alive, watched people create worlds from imagination, and became fascinated by the process. Eventually, however, I had to make the decision for myself that this was not just my father’s world; it was also a path I wanted to pursue.

So, I would say acting introduced itself to me, but I chose to dedicate my life to it.

What is the biggest lesson your father taught you that still shapes your career today?

My father taught me discipline, professionalism and the importance of respecting the craft. Talent can open doors, but consistency, humility and hard work are what keep you in the room.

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How has your international education reshaped your understanding of African storytelling?

My international education exposed me to different approaches to performance, research and filmmaking. Studying theatre and performance made me appreciate that stories are not just meant to be consumed; they are archives of memory, identity, history and lived experiences.

It helped me see Nigerian storytelling from a global perspective while still appreciating its roots.

What aspects of Nigerian theatre and oral traditions do you believe the global film industry is yet to fully appreciate?

I would say the depth of our oral traditions. African storytelling has always been interactive, emotional, musical and communal.

We have traditions of using stories to teach, preserve history and pass knowledge from one generation to another. I believe the world is only beginning to understand the richness of these traditions.

If you could redesign film education in Nigeria, what would you change?

I would create a stronger balance between theory and practical experience. Film education should not only teach students how to make films but also how to think critically, research, develop stories, understand culture and build sustainable careers.

We also need more access to equipment, mentorship and industry partnerships.

Having featured in productions such as Swallow, Ayomi, Layepe, Olori EBi, Atona, Woven, Sundry and Abandoned, which role challenged you the most emotionally and why?

Every role comes with its own challenges, but Abandoned, a stage performance written by Ojo Joshua Miracle, was one experience that really pushed me.

It required me to connect deeply with the character’s emotions and vulnerabilities. I enjoy roles that take me away from myself and force me to explore different parts of humanity.

What kind of role have you never played but desperately want to explore?

I would love to explore a complex historical character or portray a woman who is powerful yet deeply layered — someone with emotional depth, personal struggles, contradictions and a compelling journey.

I am also interested in taking on a physically demanding role that would require intensive training in martial arts, action choreography and fight sequences.

I enjoy characters that challenge perceptions, push me beyond my comfort zone and allow me to explore different dimensions of performance.

What gap did you notice in the industry that inspired you to establish your own production company?

I wanted to create a platform where stories are developed with intention, creativity and quality.

There are so many beautiful stories waiting to be told, and I wanted to contribute to creating work that represents our experiences while also meeting global standards.

You wear several hats; actor, producer, director and entrepreneur. Which role gives you the greatest satisfaction?

I think the creative process and building something meaningful give me the greatest satisfaction.

Whether through my business, acting, producing or directing, I love being part of the journey of transforming an idea from imagination into reality.

Each role comes with its own challenges and opportunities for growth. I enjoy creating solutions, bringing visions to life and building something that has value and impact.

My mind is always preparing for the obstacles ahead because I believe every challenge is an opportunity to learn, evolve and create something better.

Your new work is currently generating conversations. What message do you hope audiences will take home?

At its heart, CHIDERA is about dreams, humanity, family, relationships and the unexpected ways life connects people.

I want audiences to enjoy the story, laugh, reflect and also see themselves in the characters.

What inspired your collaboration with your father on the project?

My father and I have always shared a passion for storytelling and filmmaking, and I have always been inspired by the opportunity to work with him.

He is very professional, dedicated and passionate about his craft. Working together on CHIDERA was a beautiful opportunity to combine our different strengths, experiences and perspectives, while also allowing me to learn from his wealth of experience as a veteran in the industry.

For me, it was not just about making a film; it was about creating something meaningful together and building a legacy. I look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with him in the future. I love you, Dad. Once we stepped onto the set, we both understood the responsibility of the work. There were moments when he was my father, but there were also moments when he was the director and I was the actor who had to deliver. We respected the process.

What do you think still prevents Nigerian films from consistently competing on the world’s biggest stages?

I think we have the talent and the stories. What we need is more investment, stronger infrastructure, better distribution systems and continued development of technical skills. Nigerian filmmakers are capable of competing globally when given the right support.

If given unlimited resources, what kind of film would you produce?

I would love to create a futuristic, technologically advanced African epic, a film that merges science fiction, cultural heritage and social commentary.

I am interested in exploring what the future could look like from an African perspective: our relationship with technology, identity, the environment, power and humanity. I would create a film that combines cutting-edge visual effects, advanced filmmaking technology and immersive world-building, while remaining deeply rooted in African history, mythology and philosophy.

A project of this scale would bring together exceptional talents from different film industries, actors, filmmakers and creatives from Hollywood, Bollywood, Nollywood and other global cinemas, creating a truly international collaboration.

What advice would you give young women who dream of becoming filmmakers but lack connections?

Start where you are. Learn, create, collaborate and build your skills. Connections are important, but your talent, discipline and willingness to keep showing up can create opportunities. Don’t wait for permission to begin.

Where do you see yourself and VisionO2 Creative Studios in the next ten years?

I see my brand becoming a respected storytelling brand, producing films and creative projects that travel globally.

Personally, I hope to continue growing as a filmmaker, creating meaningful work, mentoring others and contributing to the evolution of filmmaking.

How do you handle your male admirers?

(Laughs) I appreciate admiration, but I also value genuine connection and respect.