FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"My Guardian Angel" – A Heartfelt Film on Acceptance and Awareness, Directed by 15-Year-Old Nya
Chambless, Premieres at Sarasota Film Festival and Fort Myers Film Festival
Sarasota, FL (March 29, 2025) – A powerful and educational short film, written and directed by 15-year-
old filmmaker Nya Chambless, will debut at the Sarasota Film Festival as a Special Event Screening on
April 12, 2025. The film will also be screened at the Fort Myers Film Festival in May 2025.
"My Guardian Angel," a poignant family film produced by Illum Productions and Grief Dialogues, follows
an optimistic young girl, played by Daria Droteva, whose kindness and empathy challenge her new
classmates when she befriends an eccentric girl (Katie Makovec) struggling with illness. This
heartwarming story explores themes of friendship, inclusion, and the emotional resilience of children
facing illness.
The film also stars Brindisi Capri, Eva Wisniewski, Victoria Flounders, Katherine Michelle Tanner, and
Todd Bellamy II. The executive producers include Elizabeth Coplan of Grief Dialogues, Adam and Sue
Armbruster of the Armbruster Family Foundation, and the Famiglio Family.
"This film holds a deep personal meaning for me," said Nya Chambless. "I lost my best friend to
childhood cancer when she was just five years old. While this film serves as a tribute to her, it also
underscores the importance of fostering inclusion, acceptance, and friendship for children battling
illness or disabilities at an early age."
Producer Jerry Chambless shared his pride, saying, "I'm incredibly proud of what Nya has accomplished
with this film. It's a testament to her creativity and vision, and I hope it sparks meaningful change in how
young people, and eventually adults, approach inclusion in our world."
Executive Producer Elizabeth Coplan of Grief Dialogues describes My Guardian Angel as a film that truly
embodies the spirit of the Out of Grief Comes Art movement. "Inspired by a real-life friendship, this
poignant story transforms loss into a powerful celebration of love, resilience, and inclusion. Nya
Chambless's vision and strength—her remarkable ability, at such a young age, to turn grief into art—is
nothing short of inspiring. Through raising awareness of childhood cancer and fostering empathy across
generations, My Guardian Angel serves as a profound testament to the healing power of creativity," says
Coplan.
To learn more about the film and its mission, visit https://www.griefdialogues.com/my-guardian-angel/.
Contact Information:
Jerry Chambless
Phone: 941.928.8356
Email: jerry@illumproductions.com
Website: www.illumproductions.com
More information: https://www.griefdialogues.com/my-guardian-angel/