Nick Gaglia

Filmmaker Nick Gaglia believes the power of story defines and unites our humanity. His first feature, Over the GW, is based on his two-and-a-half-year experience in an abusive, cult-like, drug rehabilitation center as a kid. GW premiered at the 2007 Slamdance Film Festival, where it was the first "under-the-radar" narrative feature in the festival's 13-year history to get a distribution deal after its first screening. The film won critical praise through its nationwide, limited theatrical run. Over the GW was also cited in a 2008 congressional hearing on Child Abuse and Deceptive Marketing by Residential Programs for Teens, where it helped promote social change. In 2009, Gaglia released the narrative film Aaron Bacon -- inspired by the book Help at Any Cost by Maia Szalavitz. This film is based on the true story of a troubled, 16-year-old boy who dies as a result of abuse, including false imprisonment and starvation, in a tough-love, wilderness, drug-treatment facility. Aaron Bacon made its world premiere at the Shanghai International Film Festival, followed by a US theatrical release. In between features, Gaglia directs music videos and commercials, bringing his signature style to short-form work. Gaglia's activism includes speaking on the topic of treatment abuse of adolescents. He has spoken at venues such as Capitol Hill, Dr. Phil, NYU, Fox News, Real Talk, WOR Radio, Fordham University, and Cal State. In 2013, Gaglia received two humanitarian awards from the Survivors of Institutional Abuse organization in Washington, DC for the work he has done raising awareness through film. In 2014, Gaglia released the feature film Altered States of Plaine, which was shot in four countries including France, Italy, Switzerland, and the US. This award-winning project, which has played at festivals worldwide, is airing on TV in over 20 countries. In 2018, Gaglia completed principal photography on his latest feature film: PinkCity, about a westerner searching for the woman he loves who got lost in India down the Ganges.