Synopsis

DREAMER follows the heartbreaking and redemptive journey of Teresa, a 9 year old girl crossing the U.S. – Mexico border with her mother, Maria. After evading an initial immigration roundup, Maria and Teresa attempt to surrender but are coldly abandoned in the desert. After Maria dies from dehydration, Teresa is left orphaned and traumatized. Taken in by Officer Malone, Teresa begins a new life in the U.S. Twenty five years later, now a compassionate doctor, Teresa unknowingly reunites with the man who once showed her kindness; Grandpa Joe (formerly Officer Malone) in a powerful, full-circle moment that bridges past and present with quiet grace. 

Director's Statement

Dreamer comes from my life experiences as much as it comes from my craft. For over twenty years, I have worked as a special education teacher. In that time, I have taught students who are DACA recipients and students who are not. I have watched many of them struggle under barriers they did not create. I have seen some persevere and succeed despite those obstacles, and I have also seen others fall through the cracks simply because the system was never designed to support them. Those experiences are my main reason for making this film. As a storyteller, my goal has always been to highlight issues that are raw and true to life. I am drawn to stories that reflect true experiences and ask the audience to feel before they judge. Dreamer is not about taking sides. It is about presenting parallel human narratives that are often reduced to stereotypes. Through Teresa’s journey, I wanted to challenge the harmful stereotypes placed on undocumented immigrants. Her success is not solely meant to be inspirational in a simplified way, but rather a reflection that perseverance, trauma, and compassion can coexist within one life. Her story is shaped by loss, but also by resilience. At the same time, I made a deliberate choice to portray law enforcement with nuance. Officer Malone exists to challenge the idea that all officers are cruel or indifferent (as showcased by Officer Max). Officer Malone operates within a flawed system, yet chooses humanity in small and meaningful ways. His character is not meant to excuse institutional harm, but to acknowledge that compassion can still exist within it. My creative choices were rooted in restraint. I avoided spectacle and heavy exposition, trusting quiet moments to carry emotional truth. The desert is indifferent. Kindness is simple. Trauma lingers. Grace endures. These ideas guided every decision in the film. Ultimately, Dreamer reflects what I have witnessed both inside and outside the classroom. People are complex. Systems are imperfect. And small acts of humanity can shape lives in ways we may never fully realize. 

Crew & Cast

Juan Javier “Javo” Aguirre | Writer & Director | Juan Javier “Javo” Aguirre is a special education teacher with 20 years of classroom experience and an independent filmmaker of seven years whose work confronts difficult, often ignored realities through emotionally resonant storytelling. As a writer and director, he creates films that give voice to the overlooked and challenge audiences to engage with uncomfortable truths. His films include To Have and To Hold, which explores domestic abuse and rape, For I Have Sinned, which exposes the cover up of clergy sexual abuse, You’re So Strong, which examines human trafficking and inherited trauma, and Dreamer, a film that centers on the dignity, resilience, and lived experiences of undocumented immigrants while also acknowledging that empathy and principled action can exist within law enforcement despite prevailing stereotypes. Across themes of grief, homophobia, alcoholism, mental health, family dynamics, negligence, and identity, his work seeks not solely to entertain but to spark empathy, start necessary conversations, and create space for healing. For Javo, filmmaking is both an artistic pursuit and a responsibility to speak for those who too often go unheard. He continues to sharpen his craft through UCLA Extension screenwriting courses and close collaboration within writing groups. A member of Phase 3 Films, Javo actively champions growth and shared learning, believing filmmakers are strongest when they equip themselves with knowledge, adaptability, and the ability to problem solve rather than bend in the face of obstacles. 

Vince Garcia | Producer | Vince Garcia is a Southern California–based independent filmmaker and a core member of Phase 3 Films, where he works across producing, directing, and hands-on production roles. His experience spans narrative shorts and festival projects, frequently serving as producer, director, assistant director, first AC, grip, and gaffer. Vince’s approach to filmmaking is rooted in collaboration, efficient storytelling, and building supportive creative environments on set. He is particularly drawn to character-driven stories that explore identity, resilience, and human connection. His work has screened at regional and university-affiliated festivals, and he continues to expand his role as both a producer and director while remaining deeply involved in the technical and logistical aspects of production. Dreamer reflects his commitment to grounded storytelling and community-focused filmmaking. 

James Paul Black | Cinematographer | James Paul Black is an Award-Winning Cinematographer & Senior Producer. For over 22 years, James Paul Black has traveled the globe documenting exclusive stories that bridge cinematic excellence with profound spiritual truths. As an award-winning cinematographer and the Co-Founder of Phase 3 Films, Paul has built an international reputation for high-end visual storytelling and technical mastery. A recognized specialist in Arri camera systems and an innovative Video Editor skilled in Premiere Pro, Paul leverages industry-leading technology to craft world-class imagery. His extensive body of work has reached a global audience, airing on over 100 international television stations, including major networks such as TBN, JCTV, and Daystar. Throughout his career, Paul has finalized over 500 video projects for corporate and broadcast clients. His portfolio highlights include Senior Editor on the award-winning documentary The Sea of Trees, Media Development Lead for video-based training material and high-education curriculum, Producer and Editor of over 100 promotional videos and documentaries, and Project Lead in producing corporate promotional material for national distribution. Paul holds a degree in Communication and is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of quality and service for every client. 



Alika Wright | First A.D. | is a Southern California native born and raised in the Inland Empire. A U.S. Army Veteran with a degree in Film, Alika has spent the last three years supporting the creation of independent films through writing, directing, acting, and a wide range of supporting roles. He is a great collaborator who works exceptionally well as both a producer and first assistant director, bringing focus, organization, and strong communication to every set. Alika is also known for his beautiful and meaningful writing and directing, creating work that is thoughtful, grounded, and emotionally resonant. A member of Phase 3 Films, he continues to explore and expand his voice through film and photography. 

Daniel Rodriguez | Second A.D. | is a co-founder of Phase 3 films, and was born and raised in the Inland Empire. He started his film program with a focus on post production, while always looking ahead for the chance to write and direct. Shortly after beginning the program he would begin an internship at San Bernardino Valley College, allowing him to further hone his post production skills as an editor. Over time he would branch out learning all the different areas and positions of production, ranging from PA, Key Grip, AD, Producer and ultimately meet his goals to write and direct. 

Miguel Alvarez | Location Sound | Miguel Alvarez is an audio technician and composer working across film, music, and live events, with a strong foundation in music and a focus on location sound. He also works as a sound technician at sporting and concert venues, bringing valuable real world experience that consistently adds depth and reliability to the teams he supports. Knowledgeable across audio production and postproduction, Miguel works in location sound, postproduction sound, and music composition, and is passionate about teaching others and sharing his expertise. In addition to his audio work, he is a well rounded filmmaker who has written and directed award winning short films, allowing him to approach sound not just technically, but as an essential storytelling too.

Samatha Morales | Location Sound | Samatha Morales is an actor with a background in Theatre Arts and hands-on experience in film, television, and media production. Samantha has performed on stage and on camera, and brings versatility in both drama and comedy. Her work as a filmmaker and editor strengthens her ability to understand story, character, and collaboration, allowing her to deliver performances that are authentic, layered, and connected to the bigger creative vision. 

Monica J. Hart | Costume Design, Wardrobe & Makeup | Monica J. Hart is an Inland Empire born and raised filmmaker who also works in theatre. Her specialties include wardrobe and makeup. You can follow her work with @phase3films on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok. 

Cindy Ball | Production Assistant | Cindy Ball (neé Cisneros) born in Indio, California in 1990 to parents Ulises and Nancy, the middle child of three daughters. From an early age Cindy engaged in diverse artistic pursuits ranging from cosplay to theater and graphic arts. Her natural talent and work ethic became recognized early on, with her being awarded Best Director from Indio High School’s theater program. After pursuing a career in the medical field Cindy made the courageous choice to follow her passion for film and enrolled in San Bernardino Valley College’s Film and Television Media program in 2021. Since then Cindy has worked nonstop on shorts, feature films, and television pilots amassing over 30 credits in roles ranging from director, writer, producer, assistant director, and many more below the line roles. Her projects have won critical acclaim, landing her film Extra Hearts screenings at prestigious festivals like Filmapalooza, Chicano Hollywood Film Festival, and Inland Film Festival. Cindy’s creative and professional trademarks are her offbeat sense of humor, the warmth and care she displays to her creative collaborators, and her commitment to the highest standards in filmmaking. In 2025 Cindy and her husband Casey co-founded the Desert Empire Filmmaker Foundation, a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting and uplifting the community of filmmakers in Southern California’s Inland Empire region. In between film shoots and nonprofit commitments Cindy dotes on her twin sons Sterling and Ulysses in the city of Redlands, California. 

Oscar Bermudez | Production Assistant | Oscar Bermudez is a filmmaker known for crafting visually driven stories that explore identity, culture, and human connection. With a background in storytelling and cinematic design, his work blends emotional realism with bold, thoughtful direction. Bermudez continues to develop projects across film and digital media, focusing on stories that resonate beyond the screen. 

Nate Huntley | “Officer Malone” & “Grandpa Joe” | Nate Huntley is a Los Angeles-based actor, screenwriter, director, and songwriter whose work blends comedy with heart. Originally from Ohio, he recently appeared in a national commercial for Indeed, which aired across major broadcast and streaming platforms, in movie theaters nationwide, and during the NFL and NBA playoffs. His goal is to tell stories that move people and to one day work with the Muppets. 

Eliana Lopez-Aguirre | “Teresa” | Eliana Lopez-Aguirre is a 10-year-old actress with a bright spirit and a strong curiosity for learning. She is known for her warmth, maturity, and caring nature, balanced by the innocence and imagination of childhood. Eliana is the middle child and only girl among three brothers, a role that has shaped her confidence and resilience. She has appeared in three films: Hey Ellie, We Missed You, and most recently Dreamer. Currently exploring new talents in acting and film, Eliana is hopeful about a future in the performing arts. Her passion was inspired and nurtured by her uncle, Javo Aguirre, whose influence sparked her love for acting—an inspiration for which she will always be grateful. 

Kriss Dozal | “Dr. Teresa Huerta” | Kriss Dozal is a Los Angeles based actor and filmmaker who began her career in theater. Drawn to character driven storytelling, her work explores identity, ambition, and the quiet tensions of everyday life. As a multi-hyphenate artist, she is committed to writing and directing stories that challenge the status quo and center women and minorities, bringing her lived experience into every project. Dead Right is among her most recent narrative shorts. (Kriss is back to being a brunette). 

May Ovalles | “Maria” | May Ovalles is a Venezuelan-born American actress based in Southern California. Trained in the Meisner Technique, she works fluently in English and Spanish and is drawn to character-driven indie films and elevated genre stories that explore identity, vulnerability, and resilience.

Max Layman | Camera Operator & “Officer Max” | Max Layman is a Southern California based video producer, editor, and cinematographer with over six years of experience working across narrative film, documentary, commercial, and digital media. His work spans the full production pipeline—from concept development and on-set camera operation to post-production, color grading, and delivery. Max has contributed to a wide range of productions in roles including editor, director of photography, camera operator, and production assistant, with credits on short films, documentaries, branded content, and large-scale productions such as Sesame Street (PBS), 11 Minutes (Paramount Plus) and several award winning short films. His background also includes drone cinematography, lighting, and AV production for corporate and live environments. Driven by a passion for visual storytelling, Max focuses on creating grounded, character-driven work that blends technical precision with emotional impact. He is currently continuing his film and media studies while actively producing independent projects within California. 

Marie Black | Production Assistant & “Office Clerk” | Marie Black holds experience as a writer, director, actor, and SFX artist. Marie has spent time in front of and behind the camera and loves the technical "how-to" of filmmaking just as much as the storytelling. Working with a team to pull a story and vision together is her favorite part. 

Olivia Irelan | “Deandra” | Nine year-old Olivia is in the 3rd grade and enjoys singing, art, soccer and of course acting. Dreamer was Olivia’s 4th movie she’s appeared in (Stealing Death, Blood Street, Minnie & Milners Christmas Mayhem). Olivia loves being able to play diverse characters and hopes to do theatre and acting as she gets older.  

Tamara Irelan | “Joyce” | Tamara Irelan is 45, a Wife and a Mother. Tamara enjoys singing, thrifting, walking, and her Pomeranian, Pickles. Tamara has appeared in Minnie & Milner’s Christmas Mayhem and Dreamer; and had a small role in Blood Street. Tamara enjoys acting along with her daughter Olivia, it’s something fun they get to share together.  

Behind the Scenes