Tony Robbins, Sylvester Stallone, Luis Fonsi, Linda Perry, Vivek Ramaswamy, Prince Royce, Mira Sorvino, Martin Sheen, and other world leaders rally behind City of Dreams and the biggest movie premiere in American history to raise awareness about one of the biggest problems in America – child trafficking.
From the executive producers of the box office phenomenon “Sound of Freedom” comes another powerful and inspiring film, “City of Dreams,” by writer, director, and producer Mo Ramchandani.
City of Dreams is an inspiring true story about a boy’s courageous battle to free himself and others from the brutal grasp of slavery. The film has earned a 100% perfect rating from critics, and, more importantly, it has the power to change and save lives.
RECORD-BREAKING PREMIERE
While Star Wars holds the Guinness World Record for the largest movie premiere with 6,700 attendees, City of Dreams plans to shatter that record by hosting over 20,000 people across the nation. The goal is to bring communities together to fight for the freedom of the 12 million children who are victims of modern slavery.
As part of this historic event, $1 million worth of tickets will be given away to individuals and groups. Complimentary premiere passes are available on CityofDreamsMovie.com for the premiere on August 28th. Additionally, individuals and groups can request tickets and book private screenings for up to 500 people from August 28th through September 1st, providing an opportunity to participate in this historic movement.
iHeartMedia is covering this historic event with on-air talent and remote crews on-site to capture the event across the country, helping heighten awareness and visibility for this critical cause.
A PREMIERE WITH A PURPOSE
Mo Ramchandani, the film’s writer and director, shared his passion for his film’s purpose, saying, “There are 12 million children who are victims of modern-day slavery today. And we told the story of one of those children who had the courage to fight back.” Sean Wolfington, producer of “City of Dreams” and executive producer of “Sound of Freedom,” added, “I’m so grateful that Mo Ramchandani created such a powerful and inspiring film that has the potential to change and save kids’ lives. I hope this movie inspires millions of people to join the fight for the freedom of these innocent children.”
MOVIES AS A FORCE FOR GOOD: JOHN DEVANEY’S DONATION
John Devaney, founder of United Capital and Manor House Films, has played a crucial role in making this historic event possible. Devaney has donated $1 million to give away tickets to individuals and groups, including anti-trafficking organizations, survivors, schools, churches, municipalities, and people who may otherwise not be able to afford to watch the film.
“There’s nothing more important to me and my family than protecting and saving innocent children from slavery,” said John Devaney, founder of United Capital. “And there’s no better way to raise awareness about this critical cause than through this powerful and inspirational film.”
MOVIE TO MOVEMENT: LEADERS UNITE TO COMBAT CHILD TRAFFICKING
The movie has detonated a movement that’s attracted very influential leaders, artists, athletes, and celebrities who’ve joined forces to raise awareness and promote the movie’s mission to end child trafficking.
Luis Fonsi, five-time Grammy award winner and the singer of the theme song of the film, penned by Hall of Fame songwriter Linda Perry, expressed his deep connection to the story, saying, “This incredible story moves me deeply. I’m honored to be a part of this powerful story that inspired me, and I think it will inspire you, too.”
Legendary filmmaker Peter Guber, former chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, praised the film, stating, “The authenticity of this storyteller shines through. I urge you to experience this film for yourself.”
Oscar-Nominated Actor and Filmmaker, Sylvester Stallone, remarked, “I’ve been making films for a long time, and every now and then, you come across a film that is actually truly important—not just entertaining, but one that can change your entire outlook on life. This is one of them.”
Yalitza Aparicio, Academy Award-nominated actress for her role in “ROMA,” echoed this sentiment, adding, “Please help us fight for the freedom of these innocent children.”
Vivek Ramaswamy, another executive producer on the project, emphasized, “I think this is one of the most important movies of our time. I don’t care whether you’re on the left or the right or black or white; we can unite around the fact that child slavery and child trafficking are wrong. We need to step up and do something about it.”
Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino emphasized, “There is a very important new film called City of Dreams that brings us into the belly of the beast. And we see how children are exploited for labor trafficking. This story will possibly change your life.”
Emmy Winning Actor, Martin Sheen, also said, “I urge you to see it because if you’re anything like me, when you see this film, you’re going to want to know how you can help end human trafficking.
Below is a list of the Ambassadors of the movie’s mission to end child trafficking, along with links to the heartfelt videos they created to promote this critical cause:
- Tony Robbins, Sylvester Stallone, Vivek Ramaswamy, Luis Fonsi, Luis Mandoki, Yalitza Aparicio, Prince Royce, Kathie Lee Gifford, Mira Sorvino, Martin Sheen, Enrique Santos, Katheryn Winnick, Frank Grillo, Thomas Jane,Karolina Kurkova, Linda Perry, Michael Phillips, Peter Guber, Carlos Ponce, Pat Riley, Jen Spry, Jimmy Barge.
JOIN THIS HISTORIC EVENT
“Please join us in the fight for the freedom of these innocent children,” said Tony Robbins.
Now, in top theaters across the country, visit cityofdreamsmovie.com to RSVP and redeem complimentary premiere passes for screenings in top theaters across major markets nationwide. With limited availability, guests are encouraged to arrive early, as entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss the chance to be part of an event that not only makes history but also makes a difference.
ABOUT “CITY OF DREAMS”
“City of Dreams” is an inspiring true story about a boy’s courageous battle to free himself and others from the brutal grasp of slavery. Inspired by true events, the film chronicles the journey of Jesús, a young Mexican boy whose dreams of becoming a soccer star are shattered when he’s kidnapped, trafficked across the border, and sold into slavery in downtown Los Angeles.
Jesús is thrown into the underworld of captivity, where survival hinges on enduring grueling work schedules and navigating the brutality of his captors. Living in servitude to ruthless traffickers, under the threat of the powerful El Jefe (Alfredo Castro), alongside fellow victims, including the resilient Elena (Renata Vaca) and Carlitos (Golden Globe Nominee Diego Calva), Jesús navigates a world of exploitation and despair with the determination to escape the brutal grasp of slavery. Realizing that his only hope for freedom is to make a daring escape, this is the story of one boy who fought back.
The film is written and directed by veteran producer Mohit Ramchandani, marking his feature directorial debut. The movie stars newcomer Ari Lopez as Jesús, with supporting performances by Alfredo Castro, Renata Vaca, and Golden Globe nominee Diego Calva. The film’s theme song, performed by Luis Fonsi and written by hall-of-fame songwriter Linda Perry, adds emotional depth to the narrative.
“City of Dreams” is executive-produced by Tony Robbins, Sylvester Stallone, Luis Fonsi, Linda Perry, Vivek Ramaswamy, Prince Royce, Pat Riley, Mira Sorvino, Pattie Mallette, Martin Sheen, Enrique Santos (President iHeart), Yalitza Aparicio (“ROMA”), Luis Mandoki (“When a Man Loves a Woman,” “Message in a Bottle,” and “Angel Eyes”), Michael Phillips (“Taxi Driver,” “Close Encounters,” “The Sting”), and John Devaney. The film is produced by Sean Wolfington (“Sound of Freedom”), Jon Graham, Rufus Parker, and Matthew Diezel.
“City of Dreams” shines a bright light on the dark underbelly of child slavery in America and aims to inspire audiences to join the fight against this horrific reality. Distributed by Roadside Attractions, the film opens nationwide on Labor Day weekend.
NOTABLE QUOTES
Tony Robbins: “This is a heroic thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. It is time to bring awareness to what’s really happening around the world and even in this country around child slavery. Please join us in the fight for the freedom of these innocent children.”
Vivek Ramaswamy: “I think this is one of the most important movies of our time. I don’t care whether you’re on the left or the right or black or white, we can unite around the fact that child slavery and child trafficking is wrong. Take a look at the movie, watch it with your family, and hope you’re able to do something, at least in raising awareness about a problem that we’re not talking about.”
Sylvester Stallone: “I’ve been making films for a long time, and every now and then, you come across a film that is actually truly important—not just entertaining, but one that can change your entire outlook on life. This is one of them.”
Luis Mandoki: “It’s a shocking story about a young boy who’s trafficked across the border.”
Michael Phillips: “His dreams turned into a nightmare and they end up in a sweatshop. Beautiful filmmaking, beautiful performances, very touching story.”
Enrique Santos: “He fought back against his captors, freeing himself and others. This is happening everywhere, including here in America.”
Linda Perry: “I was really taken by how intense it was, but yet it was so beautifully shot.”
Pamela Silva: “So powerful.”
Maria Elena Salinas: “A beautiful film.”
Enrique Santos: “A heroic thriller.”
Martin Sheen: “I urge you to see it because if you’re anything like me when you see this film, you’re going to want to know how you can help end human trafficking.
Mira Sorvino: “This story will possibly change your life.”
RESOURCES:
Website: www.CityofDreamsMovie.com
Trailer: Watch the powerful trailer here
Spanish Trailer: Watch the Spanish trailer here
Press Room: City of Dreams – Roadside Attractions Publicity
