As the gripping tale of child trafficking, "City of Dreams," from Roadside Attractions prepares to captivate audiences in theaters, the filmmaking team has announced an extraordinary gesture: a $1 million giveaway of free tickets for a series of exclusive sneak previews commencing on Wednesday, August 28. Anticipating a turnout exceeding 50,000 movie enthusiasts, this initiative aims to unite survivors of trafficking, advocates from anti-trafficking organizations, educational institutions, religious communities, local authorities, and individuals who might otherwise find the cinema experience financially inaccessible. Secure your complimentary preview passes now via the designated link.
To amplify awareness nationwide, iHeart Media will broadcast live coverage from the top 25 markets, with on-air personalities on the ground, shedding light on the dire issue of child trafficking. This benevolent ticket giveaway is a testament to the generosity of John Devaney, founder of United Capital and Manor House Films, whose philanthropic spirit has made this possible.
Drawing inspiration from a landmark sweatshop case in El Monte, California, "City of Dreams" narrates the heart-wrenching journey of a young Mexican boy, Ari Lopez, whose aspirations of soccer stardom are cruelly shattered when he's illegally transported across the border and sold into the grueling world of a downtown Los Angeles sweatshop. Marking the impressive feature debut of seasoned producer Mohit Ramchandani, who also penned the screenplay, this film is a poignant reminder of the horrors faced by countless innocent children.
Devaney, in a heartfelt statement accompanying the ticket giveaway announcement, hailed Ramchandani's masterpiece as "a brilliant exploration of a pressing issue, weaving a powerful and unforgettable narrative rooted in true events. Few subjects warrant such urgent attention, and my family and I feel deeply honored to contribute to raising awareness and safeguarding vulnerable children from the scourge of slavery. We have faith that America will be deeply moved, just as our growing list of ambassadors and influential supporters who have pledged their backing to this film."
Leading up to the film's August 30 theatrical release, a diverse array of celebrities from various walks of life has rallied behind "City of Dreams," lending their voices and platforms to promote the film's mission to eradicate child trafficking. This prestigious group includes actors Mira Sorvino, Sylvester Stallone, Martin Sheen, Anthony Ramos, Frank Grillo, Thomas Jane, Katheryn Winnick, Marisol Nichols, and Carlos Ponce; producer and studio executive Peter Guber; talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford; iHeart Latino president Enrique Santos; Miami Heat legend Pat Riley; musician Prince Royce; renowned journalists Pamela Silva, María Celeste, and María Elena Salinas; model Karolina Kurkova, among others.
Starring an ensemble cast that boasts Alfredo Castro, Paulina Gaitan, Golden Globe nominee Diego Calva, and Renata Vaca, "City of Dreams" promises to be a stirring cinematic experience. Ramchandani produced alongside Matthew Diezel, Jon Graham, Rufus Parker, and Sean Wolfington, with Devaney, Azad Shivdasani, Tony Robbins, Luis Fonsi, Yalitza Aparicio, Sorvino, Vivek Ramaswamy, Colleen Camp, Luis Mandoki, Linda Perry, and Michael Phillips serving as executive producers.
