Inspiring Young Alumni: Catching up with Nickolas Aurilius Papadopoulos ’19
Since graduating from St. Michael’s College School (SMCS), Nickolas Aurilius Papadopoulos has earned a Motion Picture Arts Degree (BFA) with a minor in Cinema Studies from Capilano University, British Columbia.
His young and promising career has included directing and producing films showcased at various film festivals, as well as composing, recording, and teaching music.
Papadopoulos’ deep faith and passion for the arts are a testament to the foundation he received at SMCS and the potential of our alumni.
Read on to learn more about this inspiring young alumnus.
Please provide a brief update on your professional life.
Over the past six years I’ve produced several passion projects, films, corporate videos, music videos, and documentaries. Notably, I spent three years leading a crew of 30 to create Mr. Nobody, a supernatural cinematic music experience about an ostracized soul searching in the spiritual realm, battling his capability for extreme darkness.
I’m currently working on my biggest film yet, “Fear To Die”, a futuristic dystopian project. As a recording artist, I’ve been writing over hundreds of songs and compositions, and am currently recording and producing them under my artist name ‘Nickolas Aurilius’.
Through my production company, Aurilius Productions, I work with various solopreneurs, brands, and businesses—providing in-depth content strategies, on-set productions, editing, social media management and optimization. I am also a specialized music instructor, teaching advanced vocals, piano, composition, improvisation, and production.
Please describe your history with St. Mike’s.
I started at St. Mike’s in Grade 7, and by then had been an accomplished musician, and had just begun to take my passion for filmmaking seriously. From Grades 7 to 12, I was a principal member of the Honour Bands, Rumba Squad, Sr. Concert Band, and Sr. Jazz Ensemble. I am very grateful to Mr. Pietrkiewicz, Mr. Douglas, and Mr. Oatt for seeing the potential in me early on.
I was actively involved in SMCS theatre, playing lead roles in multiple Broadway musicals, including Beauty and the Beast and The Outsiders. I was also deeply integrated into the school’s spiritual community by being the cantor for the St. Mike’s school masses and singing the national anthem at several school events.
How would you describe your time at the school?
I was an ambitious teenager, making St. Mike’s the perfect place to polish my craft. I had incredible teachers in the art departments that saw my unique artistic potential. I would especially like to thank Mr. Escobedo, who believed in my vision so much that, in Grade 12, we created a specialised independent film studies course under his mentorship. Through it, I took my script and directed my first full-length feature film, which included a brilliant acting performance by Fr. May, CSB. That experience—its successes and lessons—propelled me into the high-level productions I work on today.
Please provide further details on any involvement with SMCS since you graduated.
I am excited to visit St. Mike’s when I visit Toronto. It will be great to see the wonderful staff who supported me. I hope to be a positive influence for students who are aspiring writers, creators, filmmakers, producers, performers, and musicians.
How do you live out the Basilian motto of Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge?
This motto has tremendously impacted me. After St. Mike’s I moved to Vancouver, B.C., where I was faced with several challenges. I was completely away from my family, friends, and routines—starting an artistic career in an industry that is both cutthroat and very un-traditional. This is where SMCS’ teachings helped me navigate a major life adjustment and grow into a leader. In this new arena, I felt a great calling to fall back on my foundation and stand firm in my beliefs, in what this motto stands for, and to be a rock in the ever-moving tide.
How has the Christian faith supported you?
My faith in God and my relationship with Christ have been the foundation of my success and why I continue to soar. My belief in myself is entirely based on the principle that God’s plan is greater than mine. For many years, I tried to do things my way and was always left feeling empty—chasing the next big achievement. I was a child, seeking external approval, which turned into a flaming inner ambition that wouldn’t let me settle for anything less than great. But once you walk with God, all that goes away, and peace takes its place.
The religious foundation at St. Mike’s is a massive gift. Learning biblical stories, leading Psalm and Choir at school masses, and studying world religions sparked my own theological inquiries. Through looking at Christ’s life and teachings, it’s incredibly apparent that he is the greatest role model a man can have. He led with truth, love, service, and forgiveness, and if everyone simply lived through those four practices alone, we could heal the planet.
Describe how you are being the best for the world through your work and education.
Most of my work—in film, writing, or music—is crafted to share a part of my soul. Inspired by personal struggles, I critique ideas proposed by modern culture and try to provide an alternate viewpoint to many of the major issues going on in our society. I aim to tell stories that can touch the hearts of many, while simultaneously healing my own.
Through teaching music, I aim to teach students how musicians think beyond simply technique. The world needs new, authentic art—not regurgitation, not copying, but true expression. It’s truly wonderful to inspire students to tap into their creativity and view music as disciplined expression, not just notes on a page.
Briefly describe what you are doing now.
In 2024, I took my film, ‘Mr. Nobody’ to several notable film festivals and in October 2024, we began shooting my largest project to date, ‘Fear To Die’.
Currently in post-production, this film depicts a totalitarian society where people’s souls are being suppressed by dependence on technology to survive. When a musician endures solitary confinement and torture for a year, his connection with God challenges what it means to be truly free.
Would you like to share any future plans?
I have just finished recording the song for ‘Fear To Die’, which will be released alongside the film. This song is a 300+ track blending dark synthwave with cinematic alternative orchestration.
Stay tuned for the public release of Mr. Nobody and plans to complete Fear To Die for film festivals. I am also developing a documentary about my late grandfather and his early life in the Greek Civil War.
What advice do you have for current students?
Authenticity is key. Too often, we sacrifice our individuality to conform to mass opinion. Now is the time to find out who you are before stepping into the world beyond St. Mike’s. Knowing what type of life you aim to cultivate will allow you to express yourself through your work, and live an honourable life.
Brotherhood. A true brother will never let you go through things alone and always support you. After you graduate, nurture the brotherhood you developed at St. Mike’s and don’t let it fade away.
We are excited to feature Nickolas Aurilius Papadopoulos as a member of our inspiring young alumni. More inspiring young alumni can be found on the featured wall across from the main office.
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