Amanda Gecewicz
Writer/Director/Producer
Amanda is an award-winning writer and director. She grew up in North West suburban Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a BA in digital cinema production. For her eighth birthday, she got her first video camera, which sparked her interest early on. Her avant-garde approach to filmmaking has garnered praise from critics for being thought-provoking and for shedding light on the dark side of humanity. Typically, her work centers around the distortion of memory, time, and human morality. Her most recent film, Blackhatter, has earned her multiple awards, including Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best First Time Filmmaker at numerous film festivals across the U.S.
Paul Chiaravalle
Executive Producer
Paul Chiaravalle entered his professional career in 1965 with the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, where he served as featured trumpet soloist and director of the Jazz Ensemble. In June 1974, he was appointed as director of The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the official ceremonial unit and escort to the President of the United States. While serving during the Nation's Bicentennial, he participated in numerous White House ceremonies honoring such visiting dignitaries as Emperor Hirohito of Japan, the King and Queen of Spain, and the Queen of England. After his participation in the inauguration ceremony for President Jimmy Carter he was appointed director of the Jazz Ambassadors, the Army's premier touring jazz ensemble. Mr. Chiaravalle was awarded the Legion of Merit (the nation’s highest peacetime award) upon his retirement from military service. Chiaravalle was also the Executive Producer of “Candlelight,” the largest and most successful live show spectacular at Walt Disney World Resort.
After 12 years of service to Columbia College Chicago, Mr. Chiaravalle founded his own entertainment agency as President/ CEO of Chiaravalle & Associates. Mr. Chiaravalle, a highly requested international keynote speaker, has served, or currently serves on the Boards of the DePaul University Theater Department, the International Festival & Events Association, The Illinois Arts Alliance, The State Street Association, Near South Planning Association, The Chicago Cultural Mile, Chicago Arts & Entertainment Council, and many others.
Nick Rahn
Executive Producer
Nick Rahn is an Air Force Veteran with 4 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Nick is the Founder and CEO of Warriors Next adventure helping veterans overcome PTSD through recreational therapy. Providing military veterans with Camaraderie, adventure and sense of purpose we all desire after our time in the service has ended, along with a 24/7 Crisis hotline for veterans. 2020 Nick filmed a 45 day road trip documentary called "PTSD VS Jiu-Jitsu" highlighting the positive effects Jiu-Jitsu has against the fight for PTSD through 34 states. Nick is also (soon to be) published author of the book "Warriors Path To Inner Peace'', talking about his famed 6 principles used in the healing Process of Warriors Next Adventure. He is building a Mental Wellness Retreat (MWR) in central Minnesota to provide veterans with a new perspective on how to overcome PTSD utilizing multiple therapeutic activities. Nick is also a motivational speaker helping the public recognize and fight PTSD effectively utilizing Post Traumatic Growth, Neuroscience, NLP and Epigenetics. Most recently with the United States Air Force helping with the suicide tragities that have occured in the recent years. "I'm honored to be a part of this film to bring awareness to the struggles of PTSD and how to get help."
David Gordy
Executive Producer/ Historical Advisor
Dave Gordy is a retired Army Sergeant and combat veteran of both the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dave served his time in the army as a Combat Engineer doing Route Clearance missions as well as time embedded in an infantry company patrolling along the Afghani border with Pakistan.
He is also a well versed living historian and reenactor with over 25 years experience speaking to the public and working with museums to bring history alive. Dave was the Property Master and a named character role for the film "WolfHound" which was released by LionsGate films in theaters this year 2022. Dave also worked as the historical consultant and reenactor casting coordinator for the Apple TV Series "Sinning Girls" starring Kate Moss and Jamie Bell which was released in 2022.
Dave is bringing his full experience as a combat veteran, PTSD survivor, living historian, and reenactor to bear. As well as his vast contacts and personal collection of artifacts to ensure this project's accuracy and impact on the veteran community. He is dedicated to ending the 22 a day veteran suicide number and seeing help for all veterans is given.
