Hi, good luck with your film! I enjoyed your post, I also hope one day to be an aspiring filmmaker.. Never been to university, so kudos to you, for finishing at such a demanding school...
BTW, have you heard of David Sandberg? Director of Shazam? I asuume you have, but in case you don't know, he has a ytc Called 'ponysmasher'. Just thought if you don't know might be helpful, he has made a lot of independent horrors over the years and talks a lot about the process.
Not that you need that, but he went from independent filmmaker to Hollywood big shot, and shares the whole process. Plus he seems really nice and down to earth.
Anyway, I wish one day we could meet and maybe even learn from you... If you ever reach Portugal in you European film festival tours, let me know..
In the meantime, good luck with everything.