The Filmscape Reverie

By: Maria Cieslarczyk

TW: Mentions of Human Trafficking, Sweatshops, and Exploitation

Last night, I attended a work-sponsored movie premiere for Enrique Santos’ new film City of Dreams (2024). While my colleagues and I had seen the trailer, nothing could’ve prepared me for the intense emotions that rippled through my body during the course of the film.

Santos – who also directed the critically-acclaimed Sound of Freedom (2023) – spoke of the significance of spreading as much awareness as possible for his new project, which is based on an incredible true story.

I agree – it is not only a visually stunning piece, but an absolute necessity in our day and age.

So, here’s why you need to watch it during its national release this Labor Day weekend. Viewer Note: friends, this film is raw and honest (and deals with serious topics), so please take care of yourself while watching and reflecting.

City of Dreams centers on the harsh, shocking realities that so many immigrants in search of a better life are forced to face. Ari Lopez gives a stunning performance as Jesús, a young Mexican boy whose family believes he is attending an elite soccer camp but is trafficked across the border and sold to a sweatshop in Los Angeles.

Written by Mohit Ramchandani, City of Dreams begins in a small town where Jesús passionately plays soccer with the other village children. His imagination runs wild as he kicks the ball, dreaming of becoming a star athlete one day. His single father believes he is doing what’s best for Jesús as he sends him away from home…only for Jesús to be snuck across the border and sold to a violent fast fashion sweat-shop hidden in downtown Los Angeles. Jesús is forced to work in inhumane and unsanitary conditions, laboring through multiple grueling shifts a day alongside other innocent victims-turned-survivors.

He befriends a kind teenage girl named Elena, who soon goes missing. As Jesús searches for her and then witnesses (and eventually experiences) brutal beatings, he comes to terms that he must plan a daring escape.

The scariest thing apart from the inhumane brutality was the reality that this happens all the time…right in our own neighborhoods.

Something I admired about the film was the brilliant acting from all the actors. Each character is incredibly complex. The actors do outstanding jobs as they vividly portray what their character is experiencing. Ramchandani writes about them all carefully, reflecting on the different people involved (from the local jefe in charge to the dirt-bag millionaire CEO).

The film is classified as a drama-thriller, with close-up camera work and high-speed chases that will leave your heart pounding. While intense, the film does not neglect to explore Jesús’ dreams of freedom (especially of his incredible hope for the future, despite insurmountable odds) as well as his indomitable spirit. Interestingly, the movie also explores the role that local law enforcement and policies play in situations like these. While devastating, stories like these are sadly not uncommon.

Although it was a sentimental watch, I came out of the premiere feeling more informed about the issue of modern-day slavery, human trafficking, and the crucial parts we all play (even unexpectedly). This masterpiece pushed me to do my own research and re-evaluate my own relationship with fast fashion trends and what popular companies I support. Ethical consumption is only one part of it though. Educating myself further matters, especially on the issue of human trafficking and exploitation.

Santos, the director and President of iHeart Latino, posted on his Instagram: “I’m proud to be part of a project that shines a light on child trafficking. This film has the power to save lives by raising awareness about the 12 million children trapped in modern-day slavery.”

We must use our voices for good. The first step is working towards education. Let’s educate ourselves on this critical social issue and work fervently to change the stories of children just like Jesús.