Help Me Keep My Dream Alive – A Filmmaker’s Struggle to Stay

I never imagined that chasing my dreams would bring me to the edge of losing everything. But here I am, standing at a crossroads, desperate to hold on to the one thing I have fought so hard to achieve.

I come from Sri Lanka, a place where dreams like mine—filmmaking, storytelling, creating art that touches people’s hearts—often remain just that: dreams. Opportunities are scarce, and making it in this industry is nearly impossible without the right education and support. Yet, I refused to accept that as my fate. I fought, I worked, I sacrificed, and I made it here—to France, to DBIMA, a film school that has given me hope and a path forward.

But now, that path is at risk of being taken away from me.

I have until March 24 to pay my tuition, or I may be forced to put everything on hold. After coming this far, after struggling through so much, the thought of stopping now feels unbearable. I cannot let this happen. I won’t. But I need help.

A Choice No Student Should Have to Make

When I first arrived in France, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I knew that studying abroad would come with challenges, that I would have to work harder than ever to survive. But I was ready. I was willing to do whatever it took.

For months, I worked part-time, earning just enough to get by—just enough to pay my rent, my food, my transportation, and little by little, my school fees. It was exhausting, balancing long hours of work with intense filmmaking courses, but I did it. Because this dream is worth it.

But then, the real test came.

I wanted to start work a bit earlier in the day, but my classes ended late. This made it impossible for me to take on more stable jobs. I had a choice: find a way to keep studying, or drop out to prioritize work.

How do you choose between your future and your survival?

I couldn’t let go of my education. I have come too far to throw it all away. So, I lost my job.

Losing that job meant losing my only steady source of income. I have borrowed from friends, I have applied for loans, I have cut every possible expense, and yet—it is not enough.

I need to pay my tuition, but I have no way to do it on my own.

A Family That Loves Me but Cannot Help Me

Back home, my family supports me in every way they can, but now they not able.

My father is sick, and my family is struggling just to afford daily life. I am the one who was supposed to build a better future, not just for myself, but for them too. But right now, I cannot ask them for help. They simply do not have the means to support me.

So I have done everything I could. I have tried every possible way to make this work. And now, with the deadline approaching fast, I am left with just one last hope: you.

What I Need and Why I’m Asking for Help

My total tuition fees amount to €14,317.

I have managed to secure €6,351, enough to cover my second year. But I still need €7,966 to pay for my third year. Without this, I will have to pause my studies for an entire year.

I cannot afford to wait.

This is not just about money—this is about the time, effort, and sacrifices I have already made. If I am forced to stop now, I will lose not just a year, but opportunities, connections, and momentum.

I do not want to give up. I have worked too hard to get here. But right now, I need help to keep going.

I Am Not Giving Up – But I Can’t Do This Alone

I am not asking for a miracle. I am not asking for an easy way out. I am asking for a chance.

A chance to finish what I started. A chance to stand on that graduation stage. A chance to build the career I have fought for.

I am doing everything I can—I am seeking loans, applying for extra work, and even launching a crowdfunding campaign. I can provide my work contract as proof of my efforts. I am not sitting back and waiting for help. But I cannot do this alone.

If you can donate, even a small amount, it will make a difference.

If you can share my story, it might reach someone who can help.

If you know of any opportunities for extra work, please reach out.

Every bit of support brings me closer to my dream. Every bit of kindness reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.

Please, if you can, help me cross this final hurdle.

With all my heart, thank you.

Sivanujan Ketheeswaran