Actor, TED Talk speaker, and filmmaker Nathan Spiteri chatted about his new documentary “If You Tell Anyone,” and being a part of the digital age.
This film is based on the true-life story of Australian-born author and actor Nathan Spiteri, adapted from his memoir “Toy Cars; One Man’s Journey from Trauma to Triumph.”
The movie is a story about child sexual abuse, survival, and ultimate redemption.
The goal of the film is to inspire other abuse victims to speak up and to get the help they need, while also helping parents and other caretakers recognize the dangers and symptoms of a child who may be being sexually abused.
Congrats on the new documentary feature ‘If You Tell Anyone’… Was it a cathartic process for you?
Yes, absolutely. Creating the documentary was incredibly cathartic. Revisiting my story wasn’t easy, but speaking it out loud, owning it, and shaping it into something that can help others brought a sense of release I never expected.
It allowed me to reclaim parts of myself that were hidden for decades and transform pain into purpose.
What inspired you to do the documentary?
I was inspired to make this documentary because I knew my story could reach people who are still suffering in silence.
Film has a way of opening hearts and starting conversations that words alone sometimes can’t.
If sharing my journey helps even one survivor feel seen, believed, and less alone, then every moment of making it was worth it.
What did this documentary teach you about yourself?
What this documentary taught me is that healing isn’t a finish line; it’s a lifelong journey. As I mention in the film, I realized I still have a long way to go. But instead of seeing that as a setback, I now see it as proof that growth continues, layer by layer.
The more I face my past with honesty, the more space I create for strength, connection, and hope.
How does it feel to be a filmmaker in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
Being a filmmaker in the digital age is both exciting and empowering. With streaming, technology, and social media, our stories can reach people in every corner of the world instantly.
It means survivors, advocates, and communities who once felt invisible can now find connection and representation.
For me, it’s a chance to use film not just as art, but as a global catalyst for awareness, conversation, and change.
How does it feel to be in the running/considered/submitted for an Oscar?
Being considered for an Oscar is one of the greatest honors of my life. It tells us we’re on the right path — that using storytelling to spark awareness, connection, and change is making an impact.
Awards aren’t the goal, but moments like this remind us that the work matters, the message is being heard, and we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.
How did it feel to win an Excellence Award at the Indie Film Awards?
Winning an Excellence Award at the Indie Film Awards was incredibly humbling. It reminded me that sharing my story, no matter how raw or difficult, is making a real impact.
The recognition isn’t just for the film; it’s for every survivor who has felt unseen. It affirmed that we’re creating meaningful work and helping shift the conversation in the right direction.
What is your advice for young and emerging filmmakers?
My advice for young and emerging filmmakers is simple: lead with truth. Tell the stories that scare you, move you, and refuse to let you sleep at night. Learn the craft and trust your voice more than your equipment.
Collaborate, stay curious, and don’t wait for permission to create. In this digital age, your story can reach the world. So be bold, be honest, and make films that matter.
What would you like to tell our readers about your new documentary? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it?)
The one thing I want viewers to take from this documentary is hope — not the soft kind, but the hard, honest hope that comes from seeing someone walk through the darkest parts of life and still choose to rise.
I want people to understand that healing is possible, that no survivor is ever alone, and that our voices, when finally spoken, have the power to change not just our own lives but the world around us.
For more information on Nathan Spiteri, follow him on Instagram.
