“CITY OF DREAMS” WILL OPEN NATIONWIDE AUGUST 30TH
Five-time Latin Grammy Winning artist Luis Fonsi, most notably known for “Despacito,” the most streamed song of all time with over eight billion views on YouTube, and renowned songwriter Linda Perry whose hits include Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” Pink’s “Get the Party Started,” and Gwen Stefani’s “What You Waiting For?,” have collaborated on “City of Dreams,” the title track for director Mohit “Mo” Ramchandani’s upcoming film. “City of Dreams” tells the story of a young boy from Mexico whose dreams of becoming a soccer star are shattered when he’s trafficked across the border and sold to a sweatshop in downtown Los Angeles, will be released nationwide by Roadside Attractions on August 30 (Labor Day weekend). In anticipation of the film’s debut, the music video featuring Fonsi launches today.
Beginning with a heartfelt introduction from Fonsi describing the film and its mission, the video starts with a long tracking shot through a police station plastered with pictures of missing children before transporting viewers into another world as the face of a young boy on a bulletin board seamlessly morphs into an older version, played by Fonsi. Wearing a tattered soccer jersey and shackled to a wall in an underground cell, he stares at an old photo of his sweetheart. As he remembers the past, the music begins with a delicate guitar strum and the video slowly dissolves into the stirring, provocative, and topical film, which is inspired by a true story. The song continues, intercutting between the film, Fonsi singing, and a mysterious woman playing guitar in a white room. Beautifully shot by Ramchandani and edited with the same palette as the film, the song shows that Fonsi not only has acting chops but range well beyond Latin pop rock, as his soulful voice takes you through the rollercoaster of emotions depicted in the scenes of the film.
Ramchandani shared, “Growing up, I would visit my cousins in India and they were always obsessed with the title songs and music videos of the movies releasing that summer. Having music superstars in the stratosphere as Linda Perry and Luis Fonsi collaborating on such an unforgettable and stirring anthem is more than a dream come true for a first-time filmmaker. That they have poured their time, soul and talent into our mission to save and protect the children being exploited in our country is beyond a miracle. When we explained what we were doing, they responded with their heart and these two artists are the most humble, generous and consummate and caring professionals I have ever worked with.”
Fonsi added, “I am so honored to be part of a movie that has the power to change kids’ lives. I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Mo and Linda Perry to create this beautiful and powerful song and its mission to raise awareness on this critical issue.”
Linda Perry said, “Mo created a stunning music video to serve as a companion piece to City of Dreams, a beautiful and emotionally provoking film about a boy who overcomes an unimaginable betrayal. The video delivers in teasing the world and characters of the film, leaving you wanting more.”
Fonsi and Perry both serve as executive producers on “City of Dreams” along with New York Times bestselling author and speaker Tony Robbins, Academy Award®-winning producer Michael Phillips (The Sting, Taxi Driver, Close Encounters of the Third Kind), Academy Award®-nominated actress Yalitza Aparicio (Roma), actor Thomas Jane (The Punisher, Boogie Nights, The Mist) and director Luis Mandoki (When a Man Loves a Woman, Message in a Bottle, Angel Eyes). The film was produced by Sean Wolfington, best known for last year’s box office juggernaut Sound of Freedom.
Written and Directed by Mohit Ramchandani
Executive Produced by Tony Robbins, Luis Fonsi, Yalitza Aparicio, Michael Phillips Thomas Jane, Linda Perry, Luis Mandoki, John Devaney, Ana Wolfington, Shehzaan Chunara, Brad J. Lamb, Rohan Ramchandani
Produced by Jon Graham, Rufus Parker, Matthew Diezel, Sean Wolfington
Starring Jason Patric, Alfredo Castro, Ari Lopez, Samm Levine, Paulina Gaitan, Francisco Denis, Diego Calva
Inspired by true events, City of Dreams follows Jesús, a young Mexican boy whose dreams of becoming a soccer star are shattered when he’s trafficked across the border and sold to a sweatshop making fast fashion in downtown Los Angeles. Thrust into a world of exploitation and despair, he’s forced to adhere to the grueling work schedule dictated by El Jefe, a boss who promises freedom for those who complete their quotas. Despite Jesús’ hellish existence, he finds solace in Elena, a girl who was similarly betrayed and sold into slavery. When she goes missing and another co-worker Carlitos is severely beaten, Jesus realizes that the only way to save himself and the others is to fight back, even if it costs him his life.