Home #Hwoodtimes Interview with Emmy® award-winning director Nick Nanton

Interview with Emmy® award-winning director Nick Nanton

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Amazon Prime Video Selects Three of the Most Anticipated Feature Documentary Films from Director Nick Nanton and Astonish Entertainment for a Wider Release

By Michelle Calderon

Los Angeles, California (The Hollywood Times) 07/01/2026 – Nick Nanton’s award-winning storytelling takes center stage this summer with a massive triple-feature drop featuring Gloria Estefan, Lisa Nichols, Bruce Deel, Brisa de Angulo Losada and many more with an SVOD global debut on June 30, 2026

Astonish Entertainment, DNA Films, and Emmy® award-winning director Nick Nanton, “America’s Biographer”, in association with Abundance Studios, are proud to announce three of the latest additions to their slate have been picked up by Prime Video for audiences globally in an SVOD deal. The Greatest of These, When My Soul Speaks: Lisa Nichols Live on Broadway, and Brisa and are all live as of June 30, 2026.

“Having these films become available on Amazon Prime is exciting because it gives these stories the opportunity to reach audiences around the world in a much bigger way,” said Nick Nanton. “We make films to inspire people, create impact and make hope visible – and accessibility is a huge part of that. Streaming allows these messages to connect with viewers wherever they are and we are thankful to Amazon for the opportunity.”

The Greatest of These

The Greatest of These is a new documentary presented by City of Refuge, the faith-based nonprofit organization founded in 1997 with a mission to transform the lives of individuals and communities in Atlanta and beyond. Directed by Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Nick Nanton and produced by Emmy Award winner Katie Tschopp, the 75-minute film tells the remarkable story of Bruce Deel and his family. Deel, a pastor who moved his family to live in one of the most dangerous areas in Atlanta to create a special haven helping families transition out of crisis toward stability and opportunity. The film chronicles the mission of City of Refuge, a faith-based nonprofit that serves individuals facing some of life’s most difficult circumstances, including addiction, trafficking, incarceration, and homelessness. Through an innovative approach grounded in dignity and trust, the organization offers pathways toward healing, stability, and long-term transformation.

“For nearly three decades, our mission at City of Refuge has been simple: love the person in front of you and help them see the possibility in their own future,” said Bruce Deel, founder of City of Refuge. “If this film helps more people understand that transformation begins with dignity and trust, then it has already done something meaningful.”

City of Refuge has become a hub of hope in one of the most dangerous zip codes in Atlanta. Operating from a repurposed warehouse in the city’s 30314 neighborhood, the organization has served more than 50,000 individuals, providing comprehensive services including housing, workforce development, youth programs, education, healthcare, and anti-trafficking initiatives.

Produced by Abundance Studios and DNA Films, The Greatest of These combines intimate storytelling with a broader look at the social issues facing vulnerable communities today. The documentary follows individuals who have found healing and opportunity through the City of Refuge network, illustrating the real impact of compassion-driven support systems.

“These stories remind us that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight,” said Tschopp. “It happens when people feel seen, believed in, and supported over time.”

When My Soul Speaks: Lisa Nichols Live on Broadway

The electrifying one-woman show takes audiences on a harrowing, yet ultimately inspiring personal journey with Lisa Nichols as she relates her struggles to overcome an abusive relationship, poverty, single motherhood, racist attacks, and severe health challenges. Viewers are “in the room” as Nichols grapples with her demons, undertaking the hard work of reclaiming her battered self esteem, then joyfully rebuilding her personal life and establishing her own hugely successful businesses as a bestselling author and motivational speaker.

In a series of emotionally charged vignettes, Nichols takes the audience through 11 captivating and deeply personal stories depicting moments of great joy and great pain in her life. With her passionate storytelling and poignant vulnerability, she transforms each scene into a powerfully teachable moment for viewers. She reflects on the hardscrabble experience of growing up in South Central Los Angeles on the heels of the Civil Rights Movement and struggling as a single mother relying on government assistance to survive.

Lisa Nichols on Broadway (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Astonish Entertainment)

She also explores her achievements that include becoming a student-athlete willing her way to success with the propulsive affirmation, “Winners never quit, and quitters never win” and the moment she found love in her 50s. At the show’s transformational core is Nichols’ experience of surviving an abusive relationship and her subsequent personal victory as she reclaims her shattered self-esteem. This triumph sets the course for Nichols’ outstanding professional success as millionaire entrepreneur and keynote speaker for global organizations.

(Photo Credit: Courtesy of Astonish Entertainment)

As a New York Times bestselling author and Founder and CEO of Motivating the Masses, Nichols has reached more than 88 million people worldwide. She has inspired fans across the globe, helping countless audiences find their courage and discover their own untapped talents and infinite potential. Nichols is the author or co-author of seven books, including multiple bestsellers. She is also one of only a few African American women to write, produce, and perform a one-woman Broadway show. When My Soul Speaks introduced Trans-Fortainment™, a groundbreaking fusion of transformation and entertainment that moves audiences emotionally while activating personal agency and courage. Her work has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, Dr. Phil, Tamron Hall, and The Steve Harvey Show, as well as in O, The Oprah Magazine, and she is globally recognized as a featured teacher in The Secret.

Tamron Hall, Emmy® Award-winning journalist and host of the nationally syndicated daytime talk show Tamron Hall commented, “This was truly a one-woman show. Lisa walked out alone and performed for almost three hours for her incredible Broadway show, When My Soul Speaks. I was in the audience. There was not an ounce of fear on that stage. There was no teleprompter. The show featured deeply personal and never-before-seen stories. I could hear people shocked at the stories Lisa shared. There’s always proof in everything Lisa Nichols does.”

Brisa

Brisa de Angulo Losada, a survivor and fierce advocate for victims of childhood sexual violence, pursued justice for decades, taking her case all the way to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights after Bolivia’s legal system failed her. After she was assaulted at the age of 15 by a male family member, Brisa’s rights were repeatedly trampled on throughout the ensuing judicial process, compelling her to go to law school, and ultimately ensuring no one else experiences what she did.

While attending Rutgers Law School, she chose to represent herself and courageously shed anonymity by rejecting a “Jane Doe” case, instead choosing to use her name and thereby  empowering other survivors to reclaim their identities. Her fight resulted in a groundbreaking 2023 ruling that reformed laws in 26 Latin American countries. Through her humanitarian efforts, she has supported more than 2,500 victims and families in navigating the court system to seek justice against their abusers, even as her own abuser remains on Interpol’s red list as Colombia refuses to extradite him. Brisa is living proof that anyone can stand up for what’s right and drive positive change, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

“I decided to share my story with the world now because now is the perfect time. The Inter-American Court ruled in my favor in my case against Bolivia, and now is the time to bring the horrendous and gut-wrenching reality of incestuous sexual violence to light,” said Brisa de Angulo Losada.

Now is the time to pressure governments around the world to comply with heightened child protection standards. With the Court’s judgement, we now have a framework–an advocacy tool–that gives teeth to our stories. Now is the time to show survivors everywhere that their voices can reshape nations, regions, continents, and the entire world. As survivors, we now have a binding case–and a real instrument of change–that lends legitimacy to our voices and our cries for justice,” said de Angulo Losada.

Bolivia has the highest rate of sexual violence in Latin America. Sexual violence against children is especially common in Bolivia, with 1 in 3 girls experiencing sexual violence before age 18. (Equality Now) Through the creation of her nonprofit, A Breeze of Hope, Brisa and her team have helped provide free legal aid to move than 2,300 girls and over 800 of their cases have gone to trial with a 95% conviction rate. (A Breeze of Hope)

Brisa de Angulo Losada has received many international awards for her impactful work, including: Lifetime Achievement Award (2023), Champions of Justice Award (2023), Elevate Prize (2020), Distinguished Partner of Women, Peace & Security (2020), The Compass of Consciousness (2019), World of Children Award (2019), CNN Heroes (2018), BBC Outlook Inspirations Award (2018), With and For Girls Award (2017), Eastern University Distinguished Alumni Award (2017), Together for Girls and 16 Heroes, (2016), Premio Vidanta—1st Prize, (2016), Women of Peace Award (2016), Futures Without Violence Global Impact Award (2015), Premio Departamental Autonomo Cochabamba (2014), and Mary Philbrook Public Service Award (2013).

Eight-time Grammy Award-winning singer Gloria Estefan is featured in the film as a fellow advocate and survivor of sexual abuse. Estefan sits on the board of A Breeze of Hope foundation.

“She’s a warrior; this is hard what she is doing and in Latin America, even harder because there is such a culture of protection of the male with women in a second tier,” said Estefan.

“As Brisa prepares to reach audiences on streaming platforms worldwide, it’s a powerful reminder that stories rooted in truth and courage can resonate across cultures. During filming, which took us from Bolivia to Washington, D.C., I was deeply moved by Brisa’s openness in allowing us into her world. One line in the film that has stayed with me — spoken by her husband, Parker — is: ‘We are not the heroes in this story.’ The hero is Brisa. Her unwavering commitment to justice and to creating a safer world for survivors shows how documentaries can remain true to their artistic integrity while still connecting with audiences on a global scale,” said Nanton.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, please visit  https://abreezeofhope.org/get-help/ for more information on how you can get help.

Enjoy the interview with Nick Nanton and The Hollywood Times reporter Michell Calderon:

Astonish Entertainment is repped by Lon Haber & Co.

About Astonish Entertainment

Astonish Entertainment is a purpose-driven film studio dedicated to crafting impactful, emotionally resonant stories that inspire and drive meaningful change. Focused on elevating voices that are often underrepresented, Astonish collaborates with visionary storytellers, producers, and advocates to bring stories of resilience, justice, and hope to audiences worldwide. With a commitment to creating films that not only entertain but also educate and empower, Astonish Entertainment continues to champion projects that spark conversations and foster a more empathetic world. The team at Astonish has worked together on notable titles, including Brisa (Shortlisted for the 2024 International Documentary Association Awards), The Truth About Reading (Screened at SXSW Edu), Dickie V (ESPN/Disney+), Rudy Ruettiger: The Walk On (Amazon Prime), The Rebound (Netflix), Operation Toussaint (Amazon Prime), and the Emmy-nominated Conquer 100.

For more information on Astonish Entertainment, please click here.

About Nick Nanton

Nick Nanton is a 24-time Emmy® Award-winning director, producer, author, and master storyteller renowned for creating powerful  films that connect audiences with compelling human stories. He is the co-founder and CEO of DNA Films and Astonish Entertainment, through which he has directed and produced more than 60 documentaries, 3 critically acclaimed Broadway shows, and branded content featuring world-renowned figures across sports, business, technology, and culture. He has interviewed Kathie Lee Gifford, Larry King, Tony Robbins, Dolly Parton, Kris Jenner, Bruce Springsteen and many more. His work includes high-profile documentaries such as Dickie V, Rudy Ruettiger: The Walk On, Visioneer: The Peter Diamandis Story, Operation Toussaint, and A New Leash on Life: The K9s for Warriors Story. Nanton is also the creator and host of the Amazon Prime Video interview series In Case You Didn’t Know with Nick Nanton (Executive Produced alongside Larry King) and a best-selling author on branding and storytelling. For more information please visit https://nicknanton.com/

About Abundance Studios

Abundance Studios is a collective of entrepreneurs, professionals, and philanthropists dedicated to creating and sharing media to foster a world of enlightened thinking and abundant action. With a mission to bring access and opportunity to people, Director Nick Nanton started Abundance Studios as a way to produce ‘Films For Good’, where Nanton and his team work with charities and nonprofits and give them access to filming resources and the opportunity to tell their stories in a way that would otherwise not be available to them. Some of the recent Astonish Entertainment titles this collective helped make possible include Brisa, The Truth About Reading and Dickie V.

For more about Abundance Studios, please click here.