Hello! My name is Hassibullah Kushkaki and I’m planning a move to the Netherlands to begin developing my next feature film project, The Scoundrel, which I aim to film in the year 2027.

What is The Scoundrel?

The Scoundrel is a story that follows a father and son spending their first weekend together, as the father struggles to make rent while keeping his vices from drowning him. This film is drawn from my own fears around delusion, addiction, and self-destruction. I aim to explore the silent suffering many men experience due to the pressures and expectations that exist in modern society.

I have produced and directed a proof-of-concept for the film on a €2,500 (~5,000 AUD) budget, which can be viewed below.

I submitted this proof-of-concept alongside a 40-page development dossier to the Torino Film Lab, one of Europe’s most respected development programs. We’ll be notified in February if the project is shortlisted. If selected, the lab expects concrete progress and real momentum. My aim is to be established in Europe, actively building co-production relationships and advancing funding applications. Regardless of the film lab outcome, the primary objective is to access European public funding as the core financing structure for the film.

How Does European Film Financing Work?

European film financing is driven by public institutions that actively support international co-productions. Access to these funds depends on eligibility, timing, and having the right partner attached. Fortunately, I qualify for the DAFT Visa, which allows me to gain residency in the Netherlands for two years. The next critical step is attaching a European co-producer, which unlocks eligibility for many funding programs.

Target Funding Organisations:

The key funding organisations aligned with The Scoundrel are:

• Eurimages — €50k–€250k production funding

(three deadlines per year: Jan, Mar, Aug)

• Creative Europe — €60k–€90k development funding

(annual deadline in March)

• Netherlands Minority Co-Production Fund — €50k–€250k

(annual round opening in October)

Timeline Starts Now:

I booked my flight and have already arranged my accommodation in Rotterdam. I will attend the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) from January 29 – February 8. This is an important early-year industry event, where producers actively look for new projects to develop and attach to. For us, this is an opportunity to form new partnerships and build early momentum.

To pursue these opportunities properly, I need time — time to build relationships and prepare strong applications while these windows are open. That’s where your support comes in.

What Will Your Support Be Used For?

Your support will go toward three specific needs:

• €4,500 — DAFT visa requirements, including business registration

• €4,500 — six months of basic living support, allowing me to focus on eligibility, networking, and funding applications

• €1,000 — Festival pass and two-week per diem

Total ask: €10,000 (~20,000 AUD)

When Will the Support Be Needed By?

The goal is to have this support in place by February 2026, keeping the project on track for a 2027 production.

I’m not asking for whole movie funding.

I’m simply asking for help buying time.

I’ll be sharing regular updates as this journey unfolds, and if you’d like to know more, I’d love to have a chat.

Thank you so much for your contribution.

— Hassibullah Kushkaki

Below is a short reel of work demonstrating the artistic range we’ve developed over the past six years.