JULY 2024 Issue – 23 WITH Chelsea Elizabeth Islan

“Unveiling Elegance” Issue with Chelsea Elizabeth Islan

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH Chelsea Elizabeth Islan

1.You've played a range of characters, from rom-com leads to action heroes. 
Is there a particular genre you'd love to explore next and why?

I would love to explore many more complex and eccentric characters and
 my dream movie genre would be Psychological Thriller.
 I guess this would become a great breakthrough for me and 
I would definitely become able to explore many more layers within the character itself.

2.You've portrayed strong female characters in films like "3 Srikandi." 
What are some qualities you admire most in the women you play? 

I admire tough, brave, smart, independent and quick witted female characters. 
My character in the film of 3 Srikandi was a young, bubbly and playful character
 and the qualities that I look up to in my female character roles are
 mostly the sense of women empowerment and also the sense of never giving up in any life circumstances,
 how to push yourself to the limit and keep striving to create a positive change for the society.

3.Balancing acting with other projects can be challenging. 
How do you manage your time between filming, endorsements, and your personal life?

I have been in the Film Industry for 10 years and sometimes 
it is not easy for me to manage my time between work and personal life,
 but I have been focusing on myself lately, growing deeper towards self love and self care,
 prioritizing what is important for my mind, body and soul.

4. You started your career young.
 What advice would you give to aspiring actors and actresses in Indonesia?
My advice would be to enjoy the process, 
nothing could be done in a blink of an eye and as an aspiring actor or actress,
 we should have values in our life that we live up to. 
Stay humble and be the unique you instead of trying to fit in and
 trying to ride the wave because in today’s entertainment world, 
it has been a very different dynamic and ecosystem, 
It has changed and the digital era has somehow changed people’s perspective.
 As long as you know what you want to be and what you want to focus on, 
you will be able to achieve your goals and get to the top. 
Acting is feeling and Acting is real, it comes naturally from your emotions and past,
 sometimes it is like recalling a moment in your life. 
Acting is being honest from the bottom of your heart. 

5.As someone who was born in the US but raised in Indonesia, 
how do you incorporate these two cultures into your work and life?

I was born in New York City and lived there until I was 2 years old. 
However, I was raised in Indonesia and basically spent my entire life in Indonesia 
as I grew up in Indonesia and have lived in Indonesia for more than 25 years. 
I feel really grateful for all of the experiences that I have gone through and
 I believe that everything happens for a reason.
 Knowing that these two cultures has different backgrounds, beliefs, traditions,
 and also daily practices, I am thankful that I get to incorporate and learn more from these two countries since
 I have gained plenty of knowledge from my surroundings and family.
 I learned how to respect one another and also most importantly be professional and down to earth.
 I really love Indonesian culture, arts and history.
 I feel as a young generation, we should take care of our heritage.

6.Music often plays a big role in films. 
Do you have a favorite soundtrack or song from a movie you've starred in?

I do have a favorite song from a movie that I’ve starred in, 
it was for a Disney+ Hotstar Series and the title of the Series was TIRA from Bumilangit Cinematic Universe. 
In TIRA Series, I became a Female Superhero character and 
I am really happy with the end result and especially the Soundtrack of the Series.
 The song is called/titled “Nine Dragons to Kill” by Aghi Narottama ft. Elda Suryani.

7.You've mentioned enjoying archery in the past. 
Do you still practice, and would you ever consider a role that heavily features archery?

I would love to have a role that heavily features archery in a movie.
 I really do enjoy learning archery and the techniques are quite challenging
 but because my previous character or role was an athlete,
 I had to go beyond and I have to master the skills. 
8.Comedy seems to come naturally to you. 
Have you ever considered doing stand-up comedy or a purely comedic film?

I would like to try featuring in a purely comedic film because
 I feel like I could be able to explore more depths based on these kind of genres and storylines.
 I have been in a romantic comedy movie before and also in situational comedy series,
 so I am hoping for a possibility of starring in a comedy movie genre. 

9.Indonesia has a rich film history. 
Are there any classic Indonesian films or filmmakers that particularly inspire you?

There are so many Classic Indonesian Films and Film Makers that has inspired me in acting. 
I will list down my version of the one of many most inspiring Indonesian movies that I have watched. 

Indonesian Film Makers that I would love to work with in the future and have inspired me as an Actress are;
 Mira Lesmana, Riri Riza, Teddy Soeriaatmadja, Garin Nugroho, 
Joko Anwar, Kamila Andini, Wregas Bhanuteja, Mouly Surya, 
Timo Tjahjanto, Kimo Stamboel and Hanung Brahmantyo.

10.With such a successful career, what are some of your biggest
 goals you'd still like to achieve in the film industry?

I am very passionate towards the film industry and

 I have a big dream of having my own production house and
 I hope one day I could also have the chance of becoming a film director or a film producer.
 I really hope that I could also introduce Indonesia’s Film Industry including the beautiful culture,
 history and arts to the world. I also have a wish of starring in a Hollywood or Bollywood Movie.
 I want to be able to learn more about Film Making and study or take a course in Film Studies.
 I would like to dive deeper in the Industry and contribute as much as
 I can especially in representing the youth and upcoming generation of actors and actresses in Indonesia. 
I hope that I could also create change and impact for Indonesia’s film industry.