Angelika Saleh, a pioneering German-born film producer and businesswoman who profoundly shaped the landscape of independent cinema in the United States, passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 90, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. Saleh was a visionary force behind the acclaimed Angelika Film Center in New York City, an iconic arthouse theater that championed independent and foreign films for decades.

Born in Munich, Germany, on August 18, 1935, Angelika Saleh embarked on her distinguished career in the film industry in the late 1960s. Her early work included serving as an actress and co-producer on James Ivory's 1970 film, "Bombay Talkie," marking her initial contributions to international productions.

Saleh's commitment to independent storytelling was further exemplified through her role as executive producer on the critically acclaimed 1984 documentary "Streetwise." Facing distribution challenges, she took the bold step of self-distributing the film, an effort that not only secured its recognition, including an Academy Award nomination, but also underscored her dedication to supporting emerging filmmakers and alternative exhibition models.

Her influence extended to other notable projects, such as her work as an executive producer on Luc Besson's 1988 film, "The Big Blue." However, it was her entrepreneurial spirit that would leave an indelible mark on the independent film community. In 1989, alongside her then-husband Joseph Saleh, she co-founded the Angelika Entertainment Corporation and, most notably, the Angelika Film Center in New York City.

As chairwoman of Angelika Entertainment, Saleh oversaw the programming at the Angelika Film Center, transforming a former cable car power station into a six-screen multiplex dedicated to showcasing independent, foreign, and art-house films. The theater quickly became a cultural landmark in SoHo, celebrated for its curated selections and its role in launching the careers of numerous influential filmmakers.

Even after the Angelika Film Center was sold in 1996, the legacy of Angelika Saleh continued to resonate, with the Angelika brand expanding to multiple locations across the United States and Australia. Her pioneering efforts in production, distribution, and exhibition helped cultivate a vibrant ecosystem for non-mainstream cinema, leaving a lasting impact on how independent films are discovered and appreciated by audiences.