01/10/2026
WINNERS LIST OF "PROOF OF INTELLIGENCE" JANUARY BOOK RAFFLE
Filmmaker-Author Dorantes Launches 2026 Monthly Free Book Raffles
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/RJoLgDfdcCs
EL CENTRO, CA — Imperial Valley filmmaker, author, and social impact storyteller Roy Dorantes opened 2026 with a community centered celebration of art and advocacy: a free book raffle, the first in a series of monthly raffles awarding five signed copies of his books Proof of Intelligence, a satirical and science based exploration of climate change, and Respect Due, a tribute to local veterans. The online event drew more than 150 participants, signaling strong public engagement as Dorantes prepares for a year of new releases, screenings, and other major free book raffles in the months to come. The five January winners were selected this week in an online raffle – the winners will be contacted via email and their books will be delivered. (Full list of winners is at the bottom of this article.)
JANUARY RAFFLE FEATURED A SATIRICAL WARNING FROM PLANET EARTH
Proof of Intelligence, originally a 2014 Roy Dorantes stage play, imagines Planet Earth taking human form and appearing on a global TV show to warn humanity about environmental destruction. Dorantes describes the book as “provocative, bold, and rooted in real science,” adding:
“I wanted to reach people who might never pick up a climate report. Storytelling lets us talk about urgent issues in a way that connects emotionally,” Dorantes said.
Proof of Intelligence is also available digitally on Amazon.com, expanding its reach beyond the Imperial Valley. Print copies are available by contacting Dorantes.
FEBRUARY RAFFLE: HONORING VETERANS WITH RESPECT DUE
"Respect Due" is based on a documentary that Dorantes produced in 2014 honoring local veterans
Next month, Dorantes will raffle five copies of Respect Due, his tribute to local veterans based on his 2014 documentary of the same name. The book features interviews with local service members whose stories left a lasting impact on him.
Community members can enter the free monthly book raffle by visiting RoyDorantes.com and submitting their email.
FILMS THAT CONFRONT REALITY — AND SPARK CONVERSATION
Dorantes’ filmmaking career is defined by projects that tackle difficult social issues head on. His work is not entertainment for entertainment’s sake — it is storytelling with a mission.
“NOT ONE MORE!” (2024) is a powerful film about domestic violence, winning 42 international official recognitions and 10 major awards in international film festivals. Actor Anthony De La Cruz, who stars in the film, donated his time and traveled repeatedly from Los Angeles to support the project.
Robert Garcia, the film’s sound engineer and composer, reflected on the experience:
“When I heard the final mix on the big screen at the Chinese Theatre, I thought, ‘This is better than what you hear on some major platforms.’ We built this from the ground up.” — Robert Garcia
Currently in production, Night Children addresses child exploitation, one of the most sensitive and urgent issues facing communities today. De La Cruz returns in a leading role, joined by Netflix actor Edgar Martin and Mexicali TikTok star Tere Soto, whose performance Dorantes describes as “intense, fearless, and unforgettable.”
THE TEAM: A PARTNERSHIP ROOTED IN SERVICE AND COMMUNITY
Robert Garcia — Marine veteran, musician, and longtime collaborator — has become essential to the sound and emotional tone of Dorantes’ films. His decades of military service, including deployments in Iraq, shape both his artistry and his advocacy.
“If you don’t have a hobby or a mission after the military, you can fall into a dark place. Working on these films gave me purpose again.” — Robert Garcia
Garcia also highlights the importance of local veteran support services, including the El Centro VA Clinic and the Imperial County Veterans Service Office, both of which played a role in his own recovery.
To enter the February raffle or follow upcoming film announcements, visit www.RoyDorantes.com.
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WINNERS OF JANUARY 2026 BOOK RAFFLE:
1. [email protected]
2. [email protected]
3. [email protected]
4. [email protected]
5. [email protected]
Raffle winners, please email us at [email protected] with your full name and physical address for the delivery of your books. Your address will be kept confidential, only your name and email will be mentioned in the public winners' list.
More info at WWW.ROYDORANTES.COM
