A Mexican boy plans to escape slavery in the City of Dreams trailer

Renata Vaca as Helena and Ari Lopez as Jesús in City of Dreams Courtesy of Roadside Attractions

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 Jesus’s 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 Carlito’s is severely beaten, Jesus realizes that his only hope for freedom is to make a daring escape.

Written and Directed by Mohit Ramchandani, the film stars Jason Patric, Alfredo Castro, Ari Lopez, Samm Levine, Paulina Gaitan, Francisco Denis, and Diego Calva

City of Dreams hits US cinemas on 30th August.