LATINAFest Partners with Dr. Ruiz Productions for Fundraising Screening of 'The Dreamer Cinderella' to Support Immigrant Communities

LATINAFest, the largest outdoor festival in the U.S. celebrating and empowering Latinas, has partnered with Dr. Ruiz Productions for a fundraising screening of the feature film The Dreamer Cinderella. The event scheduled for November 24, 2025, at the Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood will direct proceeds to Proyecto Pastoral and the Survivor Justice Center, two Los Angeles-based nonprofits providing essential services and advocacy for immigrant communities.

The collaboration represents a significant intersection of entertainment and social impact, using cinematic storytelling to generate support for organizations serving vulnerable populations. Written, directed, and produced by Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz, The Dreamer Cinderella follows Xochitl, a Mexican-American fruit vendor whose life transforms when a Hollywood director makes her the subject of a career-defining bet. The film explores themes of identity, resilience, and self-worth within the immigrant experience context, with nationwide release scheduled for January 23, 2026.

Dr. Ruiz expressed enthusiasm about bringing 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 as the producer overseeing Xochitl's transformation, mirroring the struggles many immigrants face while pursuing their American dreams.

Bel Hernández Castillo, Co-Founder of LATINAFest, emphasized the importance of supporting Latino filmmakers who tell authentic stories, noting that their narratives matter and deserve visibility. Co-founder Naibe Reynoso added that The Dreamer Cinderella beautifully captures the triumphs, challenges, and resilience of Latinas and all immigrants striving for better lives. This partnership aligns with LATINAFest's mission to uplift communities and use storytelling as a catalyst for change.

Carmen E. McDonald, Executive Director of the Survivor Justice Center, highlighted the cause's significance, stating that as an organization serving immigrants and Dreamers, they witness firsthand the courage required to build new lives while preserving heritage. She described The Dreamer Cinderella as an inspiring reflection of that strength and expressed pride in supporting its message to uplift Latina voices through a story of courage, dedication, and love.

The fundraising evening begins 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. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advance-fundraising-screening-of-the-dreamer-cinderella-tickets-1936086840859?aff=oddtdtcreator with general admission at $30 and VIP at $100 including exclusive perks. Additional information can be found at https://www.latinafest.com and https://www.drruizproductions.com.