Inspired by her sister who died of a brain tumor at age 5, Stephanie Angel founded Angelight Films as a creative outlet that helps children heal and recognize their inner light.

Angelight Films is a 501(c)(3) non profit production company that gives children with brain and spinal cord tumors the opportunity to express themselves by creating and even starring in their own short film.

The work of Angelight Films is on the cutting edge of what many feel is a strong societal imperative for engaging youth as leaders and decision makers, most importantly, in matters that concern and affect their lives.  It recognizes the potential of youth, seeks their input, gives them a voice and turns that voice into advocacy for other youth.  It is called “Youth Voice.”

When Angelight Films gives children with brain and spinal cord tumors the opportunity to express themselves, they are functioning in tandem with the youth voice principles.  Children who create these short films begin to take action, no longer being seen as a victim, they are free to express who they truly are. They also have the ability to inspire other children to do the same, and then they move from empowerment to advocacy.  Angelight Films has a tremendous potential to impact many children, giving them a voice and changing lives along the way.

Before my younger sister Ilana passed away from a brain tumor at the age of five, we experienced a heaven on earth together. She glowed with an inner radiance despite all of the challenges that she went through. I wanted the world to see how special she was, but I was only seven years old and did not have an outlet to do so. Angelight Film is that outlet, in honor of my sister, in honor of the light in each of us.
- Stephanie Angel