Sade Ndya is a Caribbean-American cinematographer, fine artist, and community organizer whose work crafts bold, emotionally resonant imagery that transports audiences beyond reality; capturing the beauty, rhythm, and essence of the culture. Named an ASC Rising Star by American Cinematographer, Sade continues to carve out a distinct voice within contemporary cinema.

Her films include Soñadora (Tribeca premiere, streaming on Amazon Prime), the NAACP-nominated My Brother & Me (ABFF premiere, streaming on American Airlines), and Them That’s Not (NewFest premiere, Gold Hugo winner at the Chicago International Film Festival). Represented by The Gersh Agency, Sade’s work has been featured in Netflix’s Strong Black Lens, with collaborations spanning BET, Disney, NBC, Hillman Grad, and Hoorae, and lensing innovative commercial campaigns for leading brands like Nike, Google, Delta, and Ford.

Her recent art installation "Re-Imagining Black __", curated by Tina Knowles Lawson, completed a month-long exhibition at the WACO Theater Center in Los Angeles. The two screen video installation reflects on the past history and evolving future of black women in cinema. 

Beyond her film work, Sade uplifts the next generation of filmmakers through Made In Her Image, a nonprofit empowering women and nonbinary youth of color in film and media. Their programs have expanded through partnerships with Panavision, A24, and Sundance.

Up next: Seaweed Snacks, developed under Film Independent’s Project Involve is set for release in 2026. The pilot That’s Your Business with Tabitha Brown, produced by Stephen Love of Invisible Collective, recently premiered its teaser at SXSW, to be released soon. With these projects and more in motion, Sade continues to lens visually striking stories that bridge heart, culture, and imagination.

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Press

Film Independent Unveils 2025 Project Involve Cohort, Deadline

2023 ASC Rising Stars of Cinematography, American Cinematographer

Netflix x Strong Black Lead: Strong Black Lens

Grass-Roots Networks Boosting Diversity on Hollywood Film & TV Crews, LA Times

BLACK CREATORS x BEATS FLEX, Beats By Dre

Black Creators Fund Recipient , Halsey

Interview with Sade Ndya, Panavision

Exhibitions

2023 "Re-Imagining Black ___", Witness at WACO Theater Center 

2019 "Bloody Gums", 100 Portraits

2018 "A Weary Performance", Represent: Power in Color

Cinematography Reel (2024)