With the theatrical release of Roadside Attractions’ child trafficking drama City of Dreams Next, the filmmakers will give away $1 million worth of free tickets to a series of preview screenings starting Wednesday, August 28, the studio announced today.
The free screening is expected to attract more than 50,000 moviegoers. It is hoped to attract victims of human trafficking and individuals from anti-trafficking organizations, as well as schools, churches, communities and people who would otherwise not be able to afford a screening. Free tickets for the preview are available at the link.
In the country’s 25 largest markets, iHeart Media will provide live coverage, with on-site presenters raising awareness about the issue of child trafficking. The ticket giveaway was made possible by a donation from John Devaney, founder of United Capital and Manor House Films.
Inspired by a groundbreaking sweatshop case in El Monte, California, City of Dreams tells the story of a Mexican boy (newcomer Ari Lopez) whose dreams of becoming a soccer star are dashed when he is smuggled across the border and sold to a sweatshop in downtown Los Angeles. “Pic” is the film debut of veteran producer Mohit Ramchandani, who directed from his own screenplay.
In a statement about the ticket giveaway, Devaney said, “Mo has done an outstanding job with this powerful and unforgettable film, focusing on this issue and telling this story inspired by true events. Few issues deserve a more urgent spotlight, and my family and I feel privileged to be able to help raise awareness by providing the opportunity to protect and save innocent children from slavery. We know America will be just as moved as our growing list of ambassadors and influencers who have pledged to pledge their support for the film.”
In advance City of DreamsWith the release of The 40 Years of Childhood, a variety of celebrities have stepped in to promote the film and its mission to end child trafficking. The list includes actors Mira Sorvino, Sylvester Stallone, Martin Sheen, Anthony Ramos, Frank Grillo, Thomas Jane, Katheryn Winnick, Marisol Nichols and Carlos Ponce, producer and studio head Peter Guber, talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford, president of iHeart Latino Enrique Santos, Pat Riley of the Miami Heat, musician Prince Royce, journalists Pamela Silva, María Celeste and María Elena Salinas, model Karolina Kurkova and many more.
Other leading roles are played by Alfredo Castro, Paulina Gaitan, Golden Globe nominee Diego Calva and Renata Vaca. The film will be released in theaters on August 30th.
Ramchandani produced alongside Matthew Diezel, Jon Graham, Rufus Parker and Sean Wolfington. Devaney, Azad Shivdasani, Tony Robbins, Luis Fonsi, Yalitza Aparicio, Sorvino, Vivek Ramaswamy, Colleen Camp, Luis Mandoki, Linda Perry and Michael Phillips served as EPs.
