Balancing hospital duty and film sets, a senior Nursing student from University of St. La Salle–Bacolod continues to leave a meaningful mark on the local film scene. Chelsea Tasic, a student nurse and emerging filmmaker, has officially competed at Sine Negrense: The Negros Island Film Festival for three consecutive years—an achievement that reflects both discipline and creative passion.
A Breakthrough Year in 2023
Tasic first entered Sine Negrense in 2023 with “Dalit sa Sala,” a social commentary produced by Dulaab Productions. The project stood out not only for its message but also for its ambitious execution, which involved a demanding two-day shoot aboard a moving bus.
Despite the logistical challenges, the film resonated strongly with viewers. “Dalit sa Sala” earned eight nominations, winning the People’s Choice Award and receiving a special citation for its compelling narrative, marking a confident and promising debut at the festival.
Creative Growth in 2024
Building on that momentum, Tasic was selected in 2024 as one of ten directors for the inaugural Bacolod Film Festival (BFF). Her short film “A Flower A Day” also competed in the Sine Negrense Open Category, signaling her expanding presence in Western Visayas cinema.
Set inside a worn-down café, the film tells the story of a young woman who visits daily, each time bringing a different flower—an act that quietly intrigues a local barista. The understated narrative allowed emotion and curiosity to bloom naturally.
“A Flower A Day” received eight nominations and won Best Musical Score at BFF 2024, further strengthening Tasic’s reputation as a filmmaker with a sensitive and thoughtful approach to storytelling.
Returning with “Isa ka Higayon” in 2025
In 2025, Tasic returned to Sine Negrense with “Isa ka Higayon,” competing in the Intercollegiate Category. Rooted deeply in Bacolod culture, the film explores themes of closure, grief, and the afterlife.
The story centers on Lola Sonia, a downtown Bacolod seamstress preparing for a chance to make peace with a loved one she lost. As her journey unfolds, uncertainty and longing begin to surface, raising a poignant question: when life finally offers closure, does it truly bring freedom—or a deeper yearning?
The film was recently screened at the Dinagyang edition of CineKasimanwa: The Western Visayas Film Festival at the FDCP Cinematheque Centre Iloilo, extending its reach beyond Negros and into a wider regional audience.
Rooted Stories, Genuine Experiences
For Tasic, filmmaking has always been more than a creative pursuit—it serves as a vessel for raw, genuine human experiences. Her journey began in senior high school at University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos, where she directed the award-winning short films “Piyesa” (2021) and “Litrato” (2022).
Today, she views her growing body of work as a reminder to reconnect with one’s roots and shine a light on the everyday realities of life in Negros. While pursuing a demanding degree in nursing, Tasic continues to tell stories that feel intimate, culturally grounded, and emotionally honest.
Celebrating Negrense Cinema
Sine Negrense, an annual celebration of local filmmaking, ran from December 3 to 6 at the FDCP Cinematheque Centre Negros, offering a platform for Negrense filmmakers to showcase their work. The festival’s awarding ceremony is tentatively scheduled to take place next month.
As Chelsea Tasic marks her third straight appearance at Sine Negrense, her journey stands as a hopeful and inspiring testament to what passion, perseverance, and local storytelling can achieve—on screen and beyond.
