CUCO PREMIERES “DREAMIN’” WITH AG ROJAS: A TENDER ODE TO LA AND A BOLD STAND AGAINST INJUSTICE

On November 11, Hawthorne native and musician Cuco hosted a special screening for his latest music video, Dreamin’, a poignant collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker AG Rojas. The event brought fans and creatives alike together to celebrate the premiere at Brain Dead Studios in Fairfax, an intimate classic movie theater.

After the screening, Hector Zaldivar, from LA Taco moderated an engaging Q&A session with Cuco and AG Rojas. Following the discussion, attendees were treated to an intimate meet-and-greet with Cuco, which also featured merch for sale from CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights). Proceeds from the merch were collected to support families affected by ICE raids, tying directly into the themes of justice and compassion explored in the music video.

The Dreaming’ music video tells a tender yet powerful story. It is a love-filled narrative between a boy and a dog that doubles as a striking social commentary on current ICE raids happening all over Los Angeles and the country. The emotional climax unfolds as the boy bravely rescues a dog that spends days on end tied up in the front yard from the hands of its owner, who happens to be an ICE agent. The video echoes Cuco’s long-standing stance against immigration injustices.

When asked how he finds the courage to speak up on issues like this during the Q&A, he stated, “a big part of it is that I’m lucky enough to have been born here and have that voice, so I think it’s important to use that voice for those who can’t.” His words resonated deeply with everyone in the audience, as many reflected on the shared understanding that art can be a vessel for change.

For Cuco, Dreamin’ represents more than just a music video as it is a reflection of the city that raised him and the stories that continue to shape him and his work. “LA raised me, threw me all the way down, and helped me come back up,” he reflected. By blending vulnerability, cultural pride, and social awareness, Cuco continues to remind audiences that creativity can be both deeply personal and powerfully political.

Written by: Ana Oquendo

Photographed by: Steven Esperanza