LATINAFest Hosts Fundraising Screening of 'The Dreamer Cinderella' to Benefit Immigrant Rights Organizations

LATINAFest, the largest outdoor festival in the United States 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. This collaboration represents a significant intersection of entertainment and social advocacy, using cinematic storytelling to support organizations working directly with immigrant populations.

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 United States. It is set for nationwide release on January 23, 2026, making this fundraising screening an early opportunity for audiences to engage with content that authentically represents immigrant narratives.

Dr. Ruiz expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating he could not be more thrilled to partner with LATINAFest 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, making it particularly relevant to the organizations being supported through this event.

Bel Hernández Castillo, Co-Founder of LATINAFest, emphasized the importance of supporting Latino filmmakers who tell authentic stories, noting that their 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. This partnership aligns with LATINAFest's mission to uplift the community and use storytelling as a catalyst for change, demonstrating how cultural events can serve broader social purposes beyond entertainment.

The Survivor Justice Center's Executive Director, Carmen E. McDonald, emphasized the importance of this cause, noting 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 standing behind its message. The fundraising evening will begin at 6:00 PM with red carpet arrivals, followed by a reception featuring food, refreshments, cultural vendors, spirits, and fun activities including a transformational make-up spruce-up. The screening begins at 7:30 PM with tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advance-fundraising-screening-of-the-dreamer-cinderella-tickets-1936086840859?aff=oddtdtcreator and additional information available at https://www.latinafest.com and https://www.drruizproductions.com.