For 15-year-old Nya Chambless, crafting narratives and recording them on film has been a passion since early in her life. Nya made her first film when she was six years old and as she matured, her dad, Producer Jerry Chambless, encouraged her to take inspiration from life experiences.
Her newest film, My Guardian Angel, grew out of one of Nya’s childhood friendships. “When I was around five years old, I switched to a gifted program. I met a girl, and we immediately clicked,” she remembers. “It was like we had known each other for a long time, even though we'd only known each other for a short while. We got really close, but about five months after I met her, she passed away from inoperable neuroblastoma.”
My Guardian Angel, which premiered in April at the Sarasota Film Festival, not only tells the story of Nya’s friendship, but also focuses on several significant themes. “The experience made me look at the world in a new light and made me a bit more aware of what was going on around me,” explains Nya. “The main things that I want people to take away from this film are acceptance and inclusion, and how one true friend can really make a difference in someone's life.”
Through the filmmaking process and working with a cast and crew of over 20 people, Nya has learned a bit more about herself as well. “Directing and producing are my favorite parts,” says Nya. “It’s when I get to collaborate with everyone, start seeing the film take shape piece by piece, and build its overall narrative. I also really enjoyed connecting with people and businesses in the community. It’s been incredible to see how many believe in the message I’m trying to share and how supportive and generous they’ve been throughout the process.”
For more information, visit www.griefdialogues.com/my-guardian-angel and www.illumproductions.com. Also follow @MyGuardianAngelFilm on Facebook and Instagram.