LATINAFest Partners with Dr. Ruiz Productions for Fundraising Screening of 'The Dreamer Cinderella' to Support Immigrant Rights
LATINAFest is hosting a fundraising screening of 'The Dreamer Cinderella' to benefit immigrant rights organizations, highlighting the importance of authentic Latino storytelling and community support for immigrant advocacy.
LATINAFest, the largest outdoor festival in the U.S. celebrating and empowering Latinas, has partnered with Dr. Ruiz Productions for a special fundraising screening of the feature film The Dreamer Cinderella. The event will take place on November 24, 2025, at the Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood, with proceeds benefiting Proyecto Pastoral and the Survivor Justice Center, two Los Angeles-based nonprofits that provide essential services and advocacy for the immigrant community.
Written, directed, and produced by Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz, The Dreamer Cinderella follows Xochitl, a Mexican-American fruit vendor whose life is upended when a powerful Hollywood director makes her the subject of a bold bet with his career rival. The film explores themes of identity, resilience, and self-worth against the backdrop of the immigrant experience in the U.S. It is set for nationwide release on January 23, 2026. Dr. Ruiz expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating he was thrilled to bring this story to thousands of powerful Latinas who embody courage and perseverance.
The film stars Anakaren Chablé in her first leading role, alongside Tara Reid, who plays the producer tasked with overseeing Xochitl's transformation. The story mirrors the struggles of many immigrants navigating life in America while holding on to their dreams. LATINAFest co-founder Bel Hernández Castillo emphasized the importance of supporting Latino filmmakers who tell authentic stories, noting that our stories matter and deserve to be seen. Co-founder Naibe Reynoso added that The Dreamer Cinderella beautifully captures the triumphs, challenges, and resilience of Latinas and all immigrants striving for a better life, aligning with LATINAFest's mission to uplift the community through storytelling.
The Survivor Justice Center's Executive Director, Carmen E. McDonald, highlighted the significance of this cause, stating that as an organization serving immigrants and Dreamers, they witness firsthand the courage it takes to build a new life while preserving one's heritage. She described The Dreamer Cinderella as an inspiring reflection of that strength and expressed pride in supporting its mission to uplift Latina voices. The fundraising evening will begin at 6:00 PM with red carpet arrivals, followed by a reception featuring food, refreshments, cultural vendors, spirits, and activities including a transformational make-up spruce-up. The screening starts at 7:30 PM, with tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advance-fundraising-screening-of-the-dreamer-cinderella-tickets-1936086840859?aff=oddtdtcreator. General admission is $30 and VIP tickets are $100 with exclusive perks. More information can be found at https://www.latinafest.com and https://www.drruizproductions.com, while the trailer is available at https://www.thedreamercinderellafilm.com.