Support Chelsea As A Tribute To Michael

Chelsea Nicole Fernandez has long been a bright and shining presence in the constellation of cinematic endeavors. For decades, she has illuminated the cultural conversation; not with the loudness of celebrity, but with the steadfast glow of someone who truly loves the movies. Whether through her incisive voice on podcasts, her tireless work promoting film festivals, or her warm presence in countless screening rooms, discord chats, or festivals across the country, Chelsea has, in her own way, kept the reel turning.

But now, in a cruel twist of fate that not even the most poetic screenplay could redeem, Chelsea finds herself facing the kind of grief that rearranges a life. On Monday, April 7, her husband of eleven years, Michael, passed away from complete respiratory failure due to complications from cystic fibrosis, needing a second transplant, and COVID-19. His was a battle both long and courageous, fought with dignity and grace, much of it within the sterile walls of a hospital. In recent weeks, the illness demanded everything, and Chelsea gave it: her time, her care, her career, and ultimately, her partner.

In the wake of this loss, Chelsea stands at a difficult crossroads. After being Michael's full-time caretaker over the past several months, she now must face the uncertainty of rebuilding a life alone. There are practicalities; bills, mortgage payments, groceries, insurance, even the loving care of two beautiful pets who were once part of a family of two. But beyond the ledger of life lies the quieter burden of grief, which is heavier and more unknowable.

And so, we ask; not just as friends, colleagues, or fans, but as fellow human beings; for the community she champions day in and day out to show up. From Florida to Texas, from Nevada to New York, Chelsea has touched countless lives with her generosity, her warmth, and her enduring belief in the magic of storytelling. Let us, now, be part of hers.

In a world that often forgets its caretakers, its quiet artists, and its behind-the-scenes architects, Chelsea deserves to be remembered, and supported; not just in this moment, but in the months to come. Because the thing about movies is, they teach us to care like Chelsea does every day. Let’s do what she’s always done for us: show up, pay attention, and believe in the goodness of people.