LATINAFest, the nation’s largest outdoor festival celebrating and empowering Latinas, continues its commitment to cultural storytelling through its ARTES, MOVIES Y CULTURA initiative with a special fundraising screening of The Dreamer Cinderella. This inspiring cinematic event takes place on November 24, 2025, at the Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood, and will benefit two local nonprofits—Proyecto Pastoral and the Survivor Justice Center—that provide critical support for immigrant and underserved communities.

For LATINAFest co-founders Bel Hernández Castillo and Naibe Reynoso, art and culture have always been the perfect mediums to move hearts and spark social awareness. “Culture and art have the power to transform minds and souls,” says Hernández Castillo. “This film shows a different face of the Latino immigrant experience—a story of strength, transformation, and hope.”

A Story of Transformation and Resilience

Written, directed, and produced by Dr. José Luis Ruiz, The Dreamer Cinderella follows Xochitl, a Mexican-American fruit vendor whose simple life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the subject of a daring bet between two rival Hollywood directors. In her journey from the streets to the spotlight, Xochitl not only discovers her own self-worth but also transforms the way others see her and, by extension, the way audiences see immigrants.

“I could not be more thrilled to partner with LATINAFest to bring this story to thousands of powerful Latinas—like Xochitl, our Dreamer Cinderella—who embody courage and perseverance,” said Dr. Ruiz. “This film celebrates their spirit and determination.”

Starring Anakaren Chablé (Troop Dragonfly) in her first leading role and Tara Reid (American Pie, The Big Lebowski), the film explores identity, resilience, and empowerment within the context of the immigrant experience in the United States. The Dreamer Cinderella will be released nationwide on January 23, 2026.

Empowering Stories, Real Impact

For LATINAFest, this screening is more than a film event—it’s an act of community empowerment. “It’s imperative to support Latino filmmakers who tell our stories authentically—because our stories matter and deserve to be seen,” said Hernández Castillo. Reynoso adds, “The Dreamer Cinderella beautifully captures the triumphs and challenges of Latinas and all immigrants striving for a better life. This partnership reflects LATINAFest’s mission to uplift our community and use storytelling as a catalyst for change.”

The partnership also extends tangible support to local organizations on the front lines of immigrant advocacy. Carmen E. McDonald, Executive Director of the Survivor Justice Center, shared, “As an organization serving immigrants and Dreamers, we witness firsthand the courage it takes to build a new life while preserving one’s heritage. The Dreamer Cinderella is an inspiring reflection of that strength, and we are proud to stand behind its message.”

Through partnerships like this, LATINAFest uses the transformative power of art to give back, uplift, and create meaningful change—one story at a time.

A Night of Culture, Celebration, and Giving

The ARTES MOVIES Y CULTURA evening will begin at 6:00 PM with red carpet arrivals, followed by a festive reception featuring food, cultural vendors, spirits, and special activations—including a transformational “make-up spruce-up.” The film screening begins at 7:30 PM.

General admission tickets are $30, while VIP tickets—which include exclusive perks, parking and premium seating—are $100.

PURCHASE TICKETS AT EVENTBRITE

About LATINAFest: Mind, Body & Soul

Under its Mind, Body & Soul and ARTES, MOVIES Y CULTURA initiatives, LATINAFest continues to celebrate Latina creativity, resilience, and storytelling. The community-driven organization provides year-round programming that empowers women to thrive while spotlighting narratives that reflect the beauty, challenges, and contributions of Latinas—including the immigrant experience.

The post LATINAFest Presents ‘The Dreamer Cinderella’ — A Benefit Screening Event That Celebrates the Power of Art, Culture, and Immigrant Stories first appeared on .

Plaza de la Raza, a Los Angeles mainstay cultural arts center in Lincoln Heights will be the benefactor of a special community screening of the acclaimed documentary, Ugly Little Monkeys: A True American Story, taking place on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Plaza de la Raza’s Margot Albert Theater, located at 3540 N Mission Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90031.

Ugly Little Monkeys: A True American Story, co-directed by David E. Valdez and Enrique Castillo and executive produced by Edward James Olmos, Marcia Grand, and Justin Krienbrink, delves into the compelling saga of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, the original youth Mariachi group in the U.S. Established in 1964 by an Irish priest. This trailblazing ensemble that in spite of overcoming tremendous challenges rose to international acclaim, newfound celebrity, all shaping its members into prominent musicians and future leaders.

“I’ve done several stage productions at Plaza de La Raza, and I’m thrilled that our documentary film Ugly Little Monkeys: A True American Story is screening at Plaza’s Margot Albert Theater. “I’m especially pleased that the screening will benefit Plaza’s arts education programs, particularly its youth Mariachi program,” stated Enrique Castillo, Co-Director of the documentary.

Maria Jimenez-Torres, Executive Director of Plaza de la Raza, expressed the importance of the screening, stating, “This film will surely inspire, educate and uplift. We are deeply thankful to Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson and the Ugly Little Monkeys filmmakers for their support and collaboration in hosting this benefit screening. Their commitment to using music and film as a catalyst for positive change mirrors our own mission of fostering cultural enrichment and community empowerment.”

The evening will commence with a reception at 5:30 PM featuring a performance by the Plaza de la Raza Youth Mariachi Ensemble. The reception will include a delightful array of Mexican antojitos catered by El Comal Fresh & Authentic Tortilla Products. Following the reception, attendees will enjoy the film screening and have the unique opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with co-directors David E. Valdez and Enrique Castillo, as well as an original member of Los Changuitos Feos, the pioneering youth mariachi group which the documentary highlights.

For information on Sponsorships or tickets please email: info@latinheat.com

The post ‘Ugly Little Monkeys’ Documentary Benefit Screening May 16th first appeared on .