Introduction
 

My name is Kaushik “Pick” Soubans, I’m 27 years old, a filmmaker from Mauritius, and the proud father of a 4-year-old son. After years of building my craft, I was awarded a 100% scholarship worth $54,000 to study at the prestigious Vancouver Film School. This opportunity has the power to change my life and my career forever.

But today, I stand at risk of losing it all—not because of a lack of talent or opportunity, but because of the final barrier: securing my visa.
 

The Challenge

Even with the full scholarship, the Canadian visa process requires:

• Proof of funds for living expenses - Rs. 750,000.00 (CAD 22,895.00)

The challenge is that the proof of funds itself overlaps with the very money I need to live on for my first year in Vancouver. Every dollar I put into the visa process reduces the amount I can show for living costs—yet both are required.

To bridge this, I applied for a bank loan. The bank kept my application under review for over three months, and only today I was informed that it has been denied because I have no assets in my name to use as collateral. This last-minute rejection has left me with almost no time to secure the funds I urgently need. Without immediate support, I cannot even apply for my student permit, and I risk being denied entry into Canada.

Why This Is Urgent

• I already requested and was granted a one-year extension from Vancouver Film School to give me time to raise the funds. That year is now over.

• If I miss this window, I lose my scholarship entirely.

• Every day matters: the sooner I can show the funds, the sooner I can apply for my student permit and avoid being rejected.
   

Why This Matters

My passion goes beyond cinema—I want to dedicate myself to documentary filmmaking. In a world that often feels unstable and morally fleeting, documentaries give people a chance to tell their stories, to be heard, and to preserve truths that might otherwise be lost.

I’ve been working since the age of 16 to sustain myself, for 11 years now, even while pursuing my studies. Despite hardships, I performed in school, even being ranked in one of my HSC subjects. That discipline and resilience carried into my creative life, leading to 25+ awards and projects with companies like Pepsi, MCB, IBL, Marriot Hotels, Constance Hotels, Ciel Group, Fashion House, Steamroller Animation and so much more.

But my vision is not only to study abroad. I want to return to Mauritius and be part of the next wave of filmmakers who bring stories from working-class people to the big screen. I want to help shape a movement that ensures our voices, our struggles, and our creativity are seen and valued worldwide.

To see some of my past projects and understand the journey that brought me here, you can visit my portfolio at www.pickdp.com.

This scholarship is not just about education. It’s a pathway to build the skills and network I need to bring those stories home, amplify unheard voices, and create films that give clarity and dignity in a collapsing world.

How You Can Help

Even if you cannot donate, sharing this campaign is just as important—it could reach someone who can.

To end all this...

I’ve fought hard to reach this point. I started working at 16, built a career against the odds, and earned a $54,000 scholarship at one of the world’s best film schools. Now I only need help for this final step.

With your support, I can secure my visa, move to Canada, and come back home stronger—ready to help shape the next generation of filmmakers in Mauritius, from the streets to the screen.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting my journey.