InterviewsBeyond Proud RosieBy Marcos Bernal-SalasFriday, June 9, 2006
In Hollywood, and sometimes in life, people and artists tend to go under the radar. Many of them are even underestimated for many different reasons. Rosie Perez definitely fits into this category. At one time or another she had to push the envelope and go against the stereotypical roles for women of color within the industry. Sometimes even questioned on her Puerto Rican background and even labeled as “not being Puerto Rican enough” due to the fact she never spoke Spanish and has a lighter skin complexion. ‘Yo Soy Boricua, Pa’ que Tu Lo Sepas!’ (I’m Boricua, Just so You Know!) will change everyone’s perception, not only about Rosie, but also of Puerto Rico and its proud people. Rosie’s documentary debut on IFC explores her culture and the drive that every Puerto Rican, either born on the island or here in New York (aka Nuyoricans) feels about their identity, culture and history of the island. A history that until now has never been so incredible well exposed on film. ”[Even though] the original idea started off as a narrative for sterilization of women in Puerto Rico. I felt and obligation even before I started producing to talk about Puerto Rico.” Perhaps the strongest motivation behind it is that Rosie has always been a socially and politically conscious woman. The documentary does explore the political policies and aspects that affected the island such as ‘Operation Bootstrap’ and many others. And the tone is not accusatory but reflective and an exposition of history, that many people – Puerto Ricans and others alike – are not even aware of it. The historical footage within the film is use to contrast the stories and the people that Rosie follows throughout with the camera. These images are fact and not fictional documentation of history. A task that prove to be very difficult, as Rosie recalls it when trying to find the footage and going through the fact checking procedures of all the information included in the film. To think that Rosie is proud of her Puerto Rican heritage is an understatement. It also takes passion and dedication to be able to document Puerto Rico from its conception in the 1950’s to the present day. ‘Yo Soy Boricua’s’ approach is incredible engaging. Where most directors stay behind the camera and just let others tell their stories. This is not the case here since Rosie is also one of the characters in the film, even though she still remains a private person, she felt that telling her specific story to the documentary would be a respectful way to navigate through the idea of what makes a Puerto Rican proud. A successful decision because one feels that everyone within the film is having a casual and engaging conversation not just about the island but also their lives. The Puerto Rican parade is one the symbols that reflect the pride of the people. A celebration that signifies the presence, the struggles and diversity of Puerto Rico. Pride and cultural background is a universal theme so ‘Yo Soy Boricua’ it’s not just about Puerto Rico and its people. If you’re able to look beyond the heritage one finds the message loud and clear that sometimes people are subjugated to political decisions that affect one’s background entirely. An empowering idea that resonates through the present political agenda of the U.S. towards Puerto Rico and many other immigrants. “I don’t like the politics behind the U.S. or administration [right now], but I love the country, what it stands for and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.” A sentiment that everyone that comes to this country, Puerto Rican or other, definitely shares. ‘Yo Soy Boricua’ is an excellent documentary and a must watch for everyone who wants to learn more about the island, the people and everyone whose is proud about their heritage. It definitely goes beyond what it means to be Puerto Rican. *‘Yo Soy Boricua’* premieres this Monday June 12 on IFC at 9pm. The day After the 2006 National Puerto Rican Parade. Check your local listing for more information and encore.*  
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