The Struggles
Cristian Ruben's Story
Filmmaking is where passion meets purpose — and for Cristian Ruben, it’s become a calling to shine light on the heroes who rescue cats and dogs in need.
As the founder of iFilm Heroes: The Cat & Dog Rescue Filmmaker, Cristian turns the camera toward compassion, capturing the courage, hope, and heart behind every rescue story. His personal journey hasn’t been easy, but his unwavering belief in the power of storytelling continues to drive his mission to give animals — and their rescuers — the voice they deserve.
The Beginning 
f the Dream
Filmmaking is a medium where passion meets purpose, but for Cristian Ruben, it’s also been a battlefield of faith, resilience, and relentless determination. As the founder of i Film Heroes: The Cat & Dog Rescue Filmmaker, Cristian’s mission to document the lives of rescuers and the animals they save has been anything but a smooth journey. From facing financial challenges to confronting inner demons, his story is one of courage and conviction.
Personal Turmoil & Betrayal
While Cristian poured his heart into his work, his personal life began to unravel. Life’s challenges tested his strength and resolve, forcing him to rebuild from the ground up. Beloved companions were lost, and years of hard-earned achievements—including essential equipment and tools for his nonprofit—slipped out of reach. Yet even in the midst of this upheaval, Cristian’s dedication to his mission never faltered. His resilience and passion became the only constants in an otherwise stormy world, driving him to continue shining a light on those who rescue the voiceless.
Homeless but Not Hopeless
For two years, Cristian lived in his van, navigating the daily realities of homelessness while refusing to let go of his dream. He never lost hope in his calling as a documentarian for cat and dog rescuers. Even while homeless, he continued filming rescuers almost every day—telling their stories wherever he could—and editing his films late into the night in places like public libraries, Starbucks, and, when sponsors were able to help, occasional hotel rooms.
Throughout that time, Cristian worked relentlessly to keep his nonprofit alive, refusing to let circumstance define his mission. Sponsors stepped in to help pay for storage for his equipment, and supporters rallied around him, helping keep his vision alive when everything else felt uncertain. Those acts of kindness became a beacon of hope during his darkest days, reminding him that his work mattered—and that giving up was never an option.
Wrestling with Faith & Inner Demons
Through it all, Cristian wrestled with his faith. He questioned why life had dealt him such a difficult hand, why his efforts to do good were met with obstacles at every turn. These internal struggles were compounded by the external pressures of running a nonprofit single-handedly. But in these moments of doubt, Cristian found strength in his purpose. Thank You Jesus!
A Journey of Redemption
Cristian’s story is one of redemption—a filmmaker who refused to let personal and professional hardships define him. His struggles have shaped him into a storyteller who understands the power of perseverance and the importance of faith. Through his films, Cristian hopes to inspire others to see the value in compassion and the impact of collective action.