Help Rebuild My Life After Devastating Theft

Dear friends, colleagues, and supporters,

My name is Hopkins Mbalule, and I’m reaching out to you after an experience that has shaken me to my core. A few days ago, as I returned home in Berlin-Lichtenberg at 4:30 AM from a long night shift, I stood in the doorway of what was once my home, only to find out I can not enter my flat. I was completely shocked.

It turned out that my alleged landlord had used a second key to unlawfully enter my apartment while I was at work. He took everything: All of my equipment that sustains my career and livelihood, and the irreplaceable items from my late mother that connected me to her memory. My cameras were taken a week before to blackmail me, but now also my laptop, hard drives and lenses—essential to my work—are all gone. My passports, credit cards, along with all my luggage, my school certificates, crucial documents that represent years of hard work and every last piece of personal data, he left nothing behind.

The Berlin-Lichtenberg police investigates the case on 3 counts (Theft, Blackmail and Fraud - if you want the case number for verification I can make it available for you). The police told me that most likely its not the first time that these people do this. The housing situation in Berlin is already dire, leaving me without proper choices. This person took advantage of that desperation, presenting what appeared to be a legitimate rental situation. So far, together with his team, he has found a way to dodge legal repercussions, exploiting loopholes to avoid arrest when they catch up to him. It’s a sophisticated operation designed to prey on those who are new to the city and struggling to find a place to live. Meanwhile I am left with nothing but depair.

The harsh reality is that many of my belongings may never be recovered. Here are some of the most valuable items stolen:

These weren’t just possessions; they were the tools of my trade and the personal treasures that connected me to my past. My laptop contained years of work, including an 80+ hour grading course I’ve painstakingly developed over the past 3 years. My hard drives, filled with client projects and irreplaceable work, are gone. The loss is personal, professional, and deeply painful.

Why I’m Reaching Out:

As someone who has always prided himself on being self-reliant, asking for help is not easy. But the truth is, this situation is overwhelming, and I’ve realized that rebuilding isn’t something I can do alone. The legal process might take months, and waiting isn’t an option. My clients, my work, and my future depend on taking action now.

This isn’t about giving up; it’s about recognizing when you need a hand to stand back up. I’m reaching out because I need that hand, and because I believe in the power of community to help lift each other when we fall.

How You Can Help:

Any support can make all the difference in helping me rebuild my life. Here’s how you can help:

Financial Donations:

Any amount you contribute will go directly towards the essentials: Getting new identification documents, legal help and replacing the essential work equipment I’ve lost, such as my Computer, cameras, and lenses. All of this is crucial for me to continue working and fulfilling commitments to my clients.

Equipment Donations:

If you’re a fellow colorist or industry professional with equipment you’re not using, I would be gratefully for anything I could borrow until I´m back on my feet. Every piece helps me restore my toolkit and get back to the work I’m passionate about.

Work Opportunities:

To Grading facilities, DPs, Directors, Representing Agencies, and industry professionals—please consider sending work my way. I’m ready and willing to take on any role, whether as a runner, an assistant, or a colorist. Both locally and internationally. Every opportunity allows me to get my life back on track myself and continue to pursue the passion that drives you and me.

Sharing This Campaign:

If you can’t contribute financially, your voice is just as powerful. Please share this campaign with your network. The more eyes that see it, the better my chances of recovering from this nightmare. Your support, in any form, means everything to me.

Moving Forward:

I’ve always believed in the strength of the human spirit, but this experience has shown me the importance of community. I’m reaching out because I believe that together, we can rise above even the greatest challenges.

This campaign is about more than just recovering lost items; it’s about rebuilding a life, a career, and a future with the support of those who believe in resilience, hope, and the power of community.

Thank you for standing with me and for your kindness in these trying times.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Hopkins