The Struggles
Cristian Ruben's Story
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 iFilm 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.
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. Encouraged by his then-wife to pursue his passion, he found himself blindsided by her actions. Their differing values and work ethics led to friction, culminating in heartbreak. Trust was broken, and the foundation of his home life shifted beneath him. 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.
Homeless but Not Hopeless
For two years, Cristian lived in his van, navigating the challenges of homelessness while refusing to let go of his dream. Sponsors stepped in to pay for storage for his remaining equipment, and supporters rallied around him, helping him to keep his vision alive. These acts of kindness were a beacon of hope during his darkest days, reminding him that his mission mattered.
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.
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.