Nora Awolowo is a trailblazing Nigerian filmmaker, cinematographer, documentary photographer, producer, and creative director, celebrated for her innovative storytelling and groundbreaking contributions to the Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood.
In July 2025, she made history as the youngest Nollywood filmmaker to cross over ₦100 million at the Nollywood box office with her debut feature film, Red Circle.
Nora Awolowo Biography
| Real Name | Oreoluwa Racheal Awolowo |
| Famous As | Filmmaker, Cinematographer, Producer, Documentary Photographer, Creative Director |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Awolowo |
| Siblings | 2 |
| Relationship | Single |
Early Life and Education
Nora Awolowo (born on March 2, 1999, 26 years old) is from Ile-Ife, Osun State. She was raised in Lagos, a vibrant and culturally rich environment that shaped her creative journey. Growing up
Her parents’ names are publicly known as Mr. and Mrs. Awolowo; she grew up with two siblings. Her family background includes a connection to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a Nigerian nationalist and statesman, as her grandfather, adding a layer of historical significance to her legacy.
Nora pursued her education in Lagos, attending both primary and secondary schools in the city. She later enrolled at Ekiti State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
However, Nora Awolowo’s passion for visual storytelling emerged during an Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike in her second year of university. Her Religion is Christianity, and she comes from the Yoruba Ethnic Group.
Career
Nora Awolowo’s career is a testament to her determination, creativity, and ability to break barriers in a male-dominated industry.
She began as a mobile phone photographer, capturing striking portraits that showcased her keen eye for detail. Her transition to cinematography and filmmaking was fueled by a desire to tell more meaningful stories. She refined her skills through internships on various projects and by learning from peers in the video industry.
Her breakthrough came in 2019 with the short documentary Life at the Bay, co-created with Kiki Mordi, which was selected for the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
The documentary highlighted the vibrant community of Tarkwa Bay, showcasing Nora’s ability to capture authentic human experiences.
She continued to build her portfolio with projects like Symphonies, David, Baby Blues, and All Lives Matter, earning recognition for her documentary work.
In 2025, Nora Awolowo made history as the youngest nigerian filmmaker to cross ₦100 million with her debut feature film, Red Circle, a crime thriller directed by Akay Mason and co-produced by Abdul Tijani-Ahmed. Released on June 6, the film grossed over ₦100 million within three weeks, making Nora the youngest Nollywood filmmaker to achieve this milestone.
The star-studded cast, including Folu Storms, Bukky Wright, Lateef Adedimeji, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Bakre, and Omowunmi Dada, brought Nora’s vision of a gripping story about an investigative journalist uncovering a criminal network to life.
The film’s success, earning ₦33.8 million in its opening weekend and ₦101.8 million by the end of its third week, solidified her reputation as a rising force in Nollywood.
Nora Awolowo has collaborated with high-profile brands such as Netflix, Guinness, Disney, National Geographic, FIFA, Tecno, and the Mastercard Foundation, demonstrating her versatility across narrative films, documentaries, and commercial projects. Her commitment to amplifying women’s stories is evident in Red Circle, which features strong female leads and themes of friendship.
Filmography
- Symphonies (2019) – Short Film, Director
- Life at the Bay (2019) – Documentary, Director/Producer
- David – Short Film, Director
- Baby Blues – Documentary, Director/Producer
- All Lives Matter – Documentary, Director/Producer
- Nigeria: The Debut (2023) – Documentary, Cinematographer
- What Are You Truly Afraid Of? (2024) – Cinematographer
- Red Circle (2025) – Feature Film, Cinematographer/Producer
Awards and Nominations
- 2019: Winner, 25under25 Awards
- 2020: Nominated, The Future Awards Africa, Prize for Film
- 2023: Winner, Best Documentary, Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Nigeria: The Debut
- 2025: Nominated, Best Short Film, AMVCA
- 2025: Nominated Best Cinematography, AMVCA (first Nigerian woman nominated in this category)
Social Media
Instagram Handle: @noraawolowo
Twitter Handle: @NoraAwolowo
Personal Life
Nora Awolowo maintains a private personal life, with no confirmed details about her relationships or family beyond her professional achievements.
She is believed to be single, focusing her energy on her burgeoning career and advocacy for women in film.
Nora’s commitment to mentoring young female cinematographers and fostering representation in Nollywood reflects her dedication to creating a more inclusive industry.
Her hobbies and personal interests are not widely publicized, but her work suggests a deep curiosity about human experiences and a drive to challenge societal norms through her art.
Net Worth
Nora Awolowo’s net worth is estimated at $300,000. Her income is derived from producing and directing films, cinematography work, and collaborations with major brands, including Netflix, Guinness, and Disney x National Geographic. The record-breaking success of Red Circle, which grossed over ₦100 million, along with her growing influence in Nollywood, indicates that her financial prospects will continue to rise as she takes on more high-profile projects.
