Dear donors and supporters,
My name is Nasrin Reshadi, and I am an Iranian woman currently pursuing my second master's degree in Film and Audiovisual Media at the University of Groningen. I previously completed my first master's degree in Art Management and Policy at the University of Maastricht, and since then, I have been working in the arts and cultural sector in the Netherlands.
My reason for starting this campaign today is no secret. As many of you know, Iran has been going through extreme upheaval over the past months. Political uprisings, war, and economic collapse have caused our currency to lose all its value (equal to 0 euros), and communication with my parents has become nearly impossible due to ongoing digital blackouts. I am currently struggling to earn enough to make ends meet and to complete my master's degree. This situation has placed immense pressure on both my mental well-being and my studies.
Throughout my years in the Netherlands, I have always worked to support myself in life and education. I have taken on all kinds of jobs—from working in catering and cleaning to more professional roles within the film industry. However, as a non-EU student, I am currently limited to working a maximum of 16 hours per week, and my income barely covers my rent. I can no longer rely on any support from my family in Iran due to the economic situation and the lack of communication.
Unfortunately, I am not eligible for any scholarship or funding schemes. I applied for emergency financial support from the university, but my request has gone unanswered for the past three months. I have had to borrow money to stay afloat, and I am now facing the pressure of repaying them while trying to fund the completion of my studies. At the moment, I am doing an unpaid internship and writing my thesis, all while carrying constant concern for my loved ones in Iran and deep anxiety about meeting my basic expenses, such as rent and health insurance.
I am currently in an emergency situation and in need of immediate support. The fund I am seeking is the minimum amount to help me cover the next six months until I complete my master's degree and get back on my feet. In these dark times, I am relying on the kindness and solidarity of those who care about the world and wish to make a difference. While one person cannot save an entire country, you can make a meaningful difference in one life. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help. As we say in Persian: “little drops make the ocean.”
Although there are many hurdles, I remain hopeful and determined to complete my studies and continue my artistic journey in film and cinema. As an Iranian woman who has lived under censorship and restriction, I did not have the freedom to pursue my dreams in my home country. Moving to the Netherlands has given me the opportunity to live and work with greater freedom.
I am deeply grateful for your support and generosity. Sharing this campaign with your network would also make a meaningful difference and help me reach my goal more quickly, allowing me to focus fully on my internship and thesis with less financial anxiety. Thank you for your help with donations and spreading the word.
Nasrin Reshadi