Nick Nanton

Nick Nanton is widely recognized for impactful humanitarian work, primarily through producing and directing documentaries that highlight and support important social causes. Nanton’s filmography includes projects for a wide range of nonprofit organizations, many of which focus on issues such as human trafficking, disaster relief, military families, veterans, human rights, mental health, education, literacy, animal-assisted therapy, and more.​

Nanton directed several documentaries on anti-human trafficking, including “Operation Toussaint,” which documents the rescue efforts of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) to save children from sex trafficking in Haiti. His work with O.U.R. earned him the Global Shield Humanitarian Award from the Utah Attorney General’s office.​

He directed “A New Leash on Life: The K9s for Warriors Story,” a film about pairing rescued dogs with military veterans suffering from PTSD.​
His documentary “Folds of Honor” focuses on a nonprofit providing educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members.​

Nanton’s 2020 documentary, “It’s Happening Right Here,” sheds light on sex trafficking survivors in the U.S.

He produced a documentary about the Casa Hogar Orphanage in Mexico, highlighting their work providing shelter, education, and support for abandoned children, and documenting renovations and improvements to the home’s facilities.​

He directed Dickie V, the remarkable life and career of the legendary Dick Vitale, ESPN’s voice of college basketball for more than four decades, and an inspiration as he battles cancer, a disease he’s been fighting on behalf of others for years as well. The film features more than 40 original interviews including Magic Johnson, Mike Krzyzewski, Charles Barkley, John Calipari, Robin Roberts, Chris Berman and Mike Tirico, among many leading voices from college basketball, sports broadcasting, and beyond, “Dickie V” is a fun, unforgettable, moving, inspirational ride through an incredible life still being lived, and a poignant tribute to a man still spreading love and joy wherever he goes.

His work also includes producing or directing films for other causes and organizations, such as K9s for Warriors, Dick Vitale’s fundraising for pediatric cancer, and projects on the literacy crisis in America.​

Aerial Recovery Group is a veteran-led nonprofit organization focused on disaster response and humanitarian aid, particularly in regions suffering from natural or man-made disasters and combating sex trafficking. With a core mission to save lives and stop evil, the group is made up largely of U.S. veterans and first responders, many of whom are repurposed through Aerial’s Heal the Heroes initiative — a program providing a year-long healing process before training them as Humanitarian Special Operators.
"Hero" delves deeply into the concept of what it truly means to be a hero, drawing on Joseph Campbell’s iconic framework of the hero’s journey. It presents moving interviews and stories from athletes, performers, adventurers, and change-makers who confronted adversity and emerged with optimism and strength.

The Truth About Reading addresses the literacy crisis and seeks to advance conversation and solutions for teaching children to read.
Hiding in Plain Sight: America’s Trafficking Epidemic exposes child trafficking in the United States, drawing on stories from investigators, survivor advocates, and experts, produced with Our Rescue.

In Case You Didn’t Know is a documentary series featuring conversations with influential figures like Larry King, aimed at illustrating meaningful contributions to society.

CreatiVets is a U.S.-based non-profit organization founded in 2013 with the mission of empowering wounded veterans to heal through the arts and music.

The” Brisa" documentary chronicles the extraordinary life of Brisa de Angulo Losada, a survivor of childhood sexual violence in Bolivia who became a relentless advocate for justice and legal reform across Latin America, which culminated in a landmark 2023 Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruling that reformed child protection laws in 23 Latin American countries.

A new documentary about marine artist, scientist, and conservationist Guy Harvey is coming soon, showcasing his life and journey from his roots in Jamaica to his global work. The film explores how Guy has used his art to advocate for ocean conservation and research, highlighting his contributions through the Guy Harvey Research Institute and the Guy Harvey Foundation.

Philanthropic Impact and Charity Collaboration

Many of Nanton’s nonprofit films are financed by him and his clients at no cost to the organizations, allowing their stories to reach wider audiences and increase public awareness and support.​

Nick’s films have helped these causes raise more than $100 million to further their missions.

Projects like “The Truth About Reading” brought film and advocacy together to tackle issues like U.S. illiteracy, with screenings used as fundraising and awareness tools for local and national educational nonprofits.​

Nanton has also facilitated or supported charity events benefiting groups such as the Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, and the CITY Gala.​

Approach and Philosophy

Nanton focuses on stories “with heart that offer hope,” prioritizing projects that can inspire and drive social good over exposés or negative stories.​
He actively leverages his network and media platforms to connect philanthropists, nonprofits, and audiences, expanding the reach and impact of charitable initiatives.​

Nick Nanton's commitment to humanitarian filmmaking, social entrepreneurship, and charity collaboration has created tangible benefits for countless individuals and organizations, combining powerful storytelling with meaningful social impact.