City of Dreams

Veteran producer Mohit Ramchandani's "City of Dreams" aspires to be a powerful catalyst for change in the battle against child trafficking. While the narrative may feel familiar, reminiscent of a recent film about a Mexican child aspiring to stardom in the USA, this story centers on one boy's extraordinary journey of resilience and hope.

Based on true events, "City of Dreams" tells the story of Jesús, a young boy from Mexico whose ambition to become a soccer star is abruptly derailed when he is trafficked across the border and forced into a sweatshop producing fast fashion in downtown Los Angeles. Under the oppressive regime of El Jefe, Jesús finds comfort in the company of Elena, another victim of betrayal and enslavement. When Elena goes missing and a fellow worker suffers a brutal beating, Jesús understands that the only path to freedom for himself and his companions is to rise up, even at the risk of his own life. The film features a standout performance by newcomer Ari Lopez, alongside Golden Globe® Nominee Diego Calva (Babylon), Paulina Gaitán ("Narcos"), Jason Patric (The Lost Boys), and Renata Vaca (Saw X).

I sincerely hope that this film will inspire everyone who sees it to join the fight for the freedom of so many enslaved innocent kids!

I mean I was in tears by the end of the movie. I haven't cried that hard in a long time. I can't believe that this is happening in LA and all over the world. To be honest it's an issue that I never have paid much attention to and after watching this film that has changed. I think that is the point of this movie is to make people more aware of this problem. An effort needs to be made in order to figure out the solution. Besides from the powerful message the film is beautifully shot and the acting is phenomenal. I appreciate these filmmakers and their effort to document and bring awareness to this subject.

Ari Lopez played his role perfectly. I don't know how old he was when he played this role, but being so young and being able to show so much emotion without saying a word, is amazing.

He didn't say much in this movie, but the emotion he showed, was enough.

This movie is one of those movies that is incredibly hard to watch. I will dig deep into your soul and make you sad. Asad that some people have lives like this. It is sad that life is unfair to many people around the world.

Modern-day slavery exists and trafficking exists. The fact that this exists breaks my heart and will break your heart.

It's 100% a must-see movie!!! I'm happy they made this movie to raise awareness about this issue in this world.

Ari Lopez should definitely get roles in more movies, he is amazing.

Anyhow this movie is dark, this movie will break your heart and you will cry a lot. If you don't cry, then your heart will feel so heavy.

100% you have to see this movie!!!

After watching this film, all I wanted to do was bring Jesus back home with me and give him the life he deserves. Anyone that watches this movie will feel the same. The subject matter in the film is hard to watch, but you have to make yourself informed. I think that more than ever we have to come together and figure out a way to help these helpless kids. Imagine if a younger individual that you know in your life was subjected to trafficking. It would be life altering. Think about all of the parents around the world who have lost their kids to this industry. We need to support them as well. I would recommend everyone watch this film.

This is a film that inspires you. We watch as Jesus fights for his freedom. It's a Heroic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and engaged the whole time. The filmmaking is beautiful and the performances are great. This film will make you feel something in your heart and inform you on labor trafficking in the U. S. I was unaware how serious of an issue labor trafficking is, until I watched this film. Some people might have a difficult time with the subject matter of the film, but that is no excuse not to watch this film because the people who are being trafficked have no choice.