Cuco’s “Dreamin’” Takes Flight: A Visual Love Letter to Resilience and Resistance
Known for being vocal and deeply passionate about immigrant rights, Mexican American artist Cuco delivers his most emotionally charged visual yet with “Dreamin’,” a cinematic short that intertwines personal storytelling with social commentary. The video explores themes of immigration, identity and belonging, offering a timely reflection on resilience and courage in today’s social climate.
Directed by AG Rojas, the video follows a young Cuco as he attempts to unchain a dog, searching for the keys to the lock, only to discover the dog’s owner is an ICE agent. Around the house, flags like “Don’t Tread on Me” and “Blue Lives Matter” emphasize the political climate and the tension of authority. The encounter escalates into a brutal fight, highlighting the harsh reality of Latino communities being racially profiled and attacked by ICE, regardless of legal status.
The short also comes alive in the streets of Los Angeles, featuring a fruit vendor, a familiar figure in Latino neighborhoods, grounding the story in the city’s vibrant everyday life. The narrative then fast-forwards to today’s Cuco, holding a rose in silent reflection, seated in front of Sábila’s ofrenda, honoring the dog and evoking the tradition of Día de Muertos, a celebration of memory, love and cultural identity.
Beyond its intimate and politically charged storytelling, “Dreamin’” also portrays Cuco stepping into situations that demand courage, standing up for the vulnerable, and confronting injustice, metaphors that resonate with social struggles faced in the news and in communities across the nation.
The video premiered at a special double screening in Los Angeles benefiting CHIRLA, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that provides resources, advocacy, and legal support for immigrant communities. All proceeds from the event were donated to CHIRLA.
“Dreamin’” showcases Cuco’s evolution as an artist, blending the heart and soul of Latin music with cinematic storytelling that reflects both personal and collective struggles, and shining a light on the realities faced by Latino communities today.
