Young Ari Lopez Leads Meaningful Purpose In 'City of Dreams'
Meet the young lead actor of ‘City of Dreams’ Ari Lopez, who speaks to us about his current project and the future of his young but bright career. As the world discovers him, he is also discovering himself right before our eyes. As we look at this young talent grow, let us not look the other way on the global issue of human trafficking and come together to combat it.
Ari Lopez, Actor
US LIFESTYLE: Ari, can you tell us about family and your own life and journey in America?
ARI LOPEZ: I grew up with my parents and older brother and always lived with them, but it's beena long time since I've seen them. For nearly three months, I've been in Los Angeles attending City of Dreams screenings, promoting the movie, and doing various interviews. It's been a long journey, but an incredibly fun and fulfilling experience.
US LIFESTYLE: Take us through your journey with ‘City of Dreams’? What drove you to this project?
ARI LOPEZ: I've been acting since I was six, but it wasn't until I turned 14 that I got cast in City of Dreams. I never imagined it would be my first film—an American production with a meaningful purpose and powerful message. It motivated me to give my all to this role. Filming was a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. I traveled outside of Mexico for the first time, met amazing people, and learned most of what I know now as an actor.
US LIFESTYLE: How were you selected to be part of this project?
ARI LOPEZ: The casting process was fairly standard: I submitted a self-tape and traveled to Mexico City a couple of times. I met Mohit Ramchandani, the director,but the unusual part was the audition he conducted. He had me react to everything he was saying without giving me any lines to speak.
US LIFESTYLE: What has been the most difficult part about speaking about this film? What do you hope people get from it?
ARI LOPEZ: Discussing the issue of human trafficking, which the movie addresses, has been challenging because it tends to polarize audiences. We’re trying to reach as many people as possible and raise awareness about the harsh reality of this problem. I hope viewers understand that regardless of religion, politics, or ideology, we can all contribute by simply starting conversations about it.
US LIFESTYLE: What other projects are you currently working on?
ARI LOPEZ: I currently have two other films in circulation: All the Fires and Broken Borders. At the moment, Broken Borders is being showcased at the Hola Mexico Film Festival in Los Angeles.
US LIFESTYLE: What are your future projects? Who are you looking forward toworking with in the future?
ARI LOPEZ: I'll be filming a couple of movies soon, but I can't share details yet sincethey're still in pre-production. I don’t have a specific person I want to work with—I’m open to any type of project that will help me expand my range as an actor.
US LIFESTYLE: How do you see lifestyle for kids in America changing? What role do you see yourself play in these changes?
ARI LOPEZ: I believe that the current lifestyle for kids is heading in the wrong direction because of the unrealistic expectations set by social media, which often lead to disappointment. I’m opposed to the way social media is being used today.
US LIFESTYLE: What are your favorite things to do? How do you spend your free time?
ARI LOPEZ: In my free time, I love acting, working out, spending time with family and friends, and constantly seeking to educate myself.
US LIFESTYLE: How do you see your work impact the lives of Americans today or in the future?
ARI LOPEZ: I don't believe that what I do can directly change lives or solve problems, but I do think it can spark conversations that challenge our thoughts and actions, potentially leading to positive change.
US LIFESTYLE: You are a young actor, How do you see your career evolve, what dreams do you have within and outside the industry?
ARI LOPEZ: I believe my career is progressing well, moving steadily forward without pause, which brings me great joy. I have two main dreams: to spend my life doing what I love and to help make the world a better place for everyone.
US LIFESTYLE: Is there anything specific you want to share with our readers?
ARI LOPEZ: I would like to tell them to go watch City of Dreams, and know that the only way to make a change is together.
