10 09 2025

As of this morning, I got into the Werner Herzog residency in Portugal, and it is the single most important thing that has happened in my career to date.

How can I explain over text the spiritual and intellectual guidance working alongside Werner Herzog would have on the very essence of my soul ??? My essay to get in was equally deranged and true to who I am and to my surprise, they accepted me.

In what world would I get one-on-one mentorship from Werner himself???? Just two months ago I saw him speak at the 92NY and he brought up this residency, and I instantly was on the lookout for it.

As a filmmaker, this is something so worth it to me to do that it would make no sense to try whatever way possible to make it happen and make my dream scenario come true.

The only thing stopping me: the fee is 8,800€ , which is $10,232...

And I need to make it by December 15th of this year...

I would feel it tragic and deeply regretful and sad if I didnt try to at least ask for assistance from my peers to go, and as much as it feels like an impossible feat, I have to try. I MUST TRYYYYYY.

I know that is a lot, but it covers 12 days in the Azores mountains in Portugal, along with paying actors to be in my film, housing, transportation, etc (I'll attach the list of services included with the fee.)

I have 6 days to raise this money. I wish I could just ask my parents or a relative, but my family is unable to help me financially. So crowdfunding is the only way I can make this dream come true.

I've spent many hours watching youtube videos with Werner, hoping to extract wisdom and knowledge for my own film practice. My obsession with him has brought me here. Imagine if YOU could meet your idol and have them mentor you???? Wouldn't you try and do whatever you could to make it happen?

And he is 84, who knows what could happen!!!!! Inshallah nothing does, but Werner is the greatest filmmaker ALIVE!! So to be able to be mentored one on one with werner herzog himself, seems an invaluable experience to me. I can't even begin to comprehend it.

Asking for this amount of money feels insane, but if I had any other option, I would go that route.

It feels impossible, but crazier things have happened ( i think haha)

I will simply fall into a deep dark pit of depression if I didn't try my hardest to make it there.

Thank you for reading,

Asreen