Help Me Rebuild Through Film: A Queer Artists Journey from Colombia to the UK

Hi everyone,

My name’s Esteban. I’m a queer film student from Colombia.

In 2024, I applied for a Master’s program in Film at Norwich University of the Arts in the UK

— and to my absolute surprise and joy, I was offered a place to begin in September 2025.

Studying film in the UK has been a long-standing dream of mine. It’s more than just

education; it’s a chance to grow, to find a safe environment, and to tell the stories that matter most to me and my people.

But as much as I wish I could take this step on my own, I simply can’t. Despite applying to

Multiple scholarships and funding opportunities, none have come through. I’ve exhausted

every avenue I could think of, and now, my last hope is to reach out to my community,

and to anyone who might see value in supporting someone determined to make something

meaningful out of very difficult beginnings.

Sharing this isn’t easy. As a queer person, I left Colombia trying to find myself outside of a context where I felt marginialised, unrepresented, ostracised creatively — just because of who I am. It was not until I left that I could have some perspective and I have been reflection in my own journey. I completed my film degree in Colombia, full of hope and ambition decided to pursue and make my Masters.

Ever Since I left Colombia I have been trying to keep myself afloat, so I have I taken any work and figured out my next steps.

I come from a working-class background, without the safety net of family wealth or

generational resources to fall back on. Everything I have—every step forward—has come

through my own labour and the kindness of those willing to stand with me.

~Despite everything, I’ve held onto my passion for film. It’s how I process the world, how I

heal, and how I hope to create change. My dream is to continue my journey in the UK — a

place where I can live safely, authentically, and tell the stories that need to be told. Please

understand this isnt just about education. It’s about creating space for stories that rarely get told: immigrant stories, queer stories, stories that move between. It’s about reclaiming voices like my friend who was silenced by fear, poverty, and displacement — and using my own creative voice to build bridges between cultures.

But I can’t do this alone.

I’m reaching out to my community — and to anyone who believes in the power of resilience,

art, and queer voices — to help me bridge the financial gap to build a new life. Your support

will go directly toward relocation, visa fees, housing, and my educational fees in the UK

Every donation, share, or word of encouragement brings me one step closer to safety,

healing, and the future I’ve fought so hard to imagine.

If you’re able to help in any way — by donating, sharing this fundraiser, or even just sending

encouragement — please know that it means the world to me. From the bottom of my heart,

thank you.

I’m asking for help to raise £8,500, which will go directly towards:

● Tuition deposit + fees for my MA in Film

● UK visa application + NHS surcharge

● Initial rent + housing support during my move

● Essential costs (food, transport, materials) while I settle and begin my studies

● A small creative fund to help produce my first student film, rooted in memory,

movement, and the music that saved me

Any support, whether it’s £5 or simply sharing this with someone, means more than I can

say. I know how hard things are for many of us right now. If you’ve crossed paths with me

—and if I’ve ever held space for you,… I humbly ask you to consider supporting me.

This is a door I’ve waited my whole life to walk through. With your help, I can finally open it.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love,

Esteban