Rocío López: “I have fallen and gotten back up. Everything is a process. But like so many Latinas luchonas, I do not give up. I am here.”

Rocío López brings to life one of the significant characters in “El Paisa,” a widely acclaimed short film written and directed by Daniel Eduvijes Carrera and produced by Miguel Angel Caballero. (Rocio López)

Rocío López, an artist, singer, actor, and educator.

“I come from a family of farmworkers. My parents migrated from Guanajuato and I was born in California. My parents tell me that while my mother was pregnant with me, they went to a Ballet Folklorico performance and could feel me kicking in my mothers womb. I believe I wanted to be an artist before I was even born,” she says.

Rocío López brings to life one of the main characters in “El Paisa,” a widely acclaimed short film written and directed by Daniel Eduvijes Carrera and produced by Miguel Angel Caballero.

“What fascinated me about what Dani wrote is that he humanized our community, our stories. I know that Dani wrote my character based on his mom, but for me, it is also the story of our community,” she says.

“My dad always told me since I was a little girl to trust myself and to fulfill my dreams,” she says. (Rocío López)

It took Rocio years to decide and start her career.

“My dad always told me since I was a little girl get my education and to fulfill my dreams,” she says.

But it wasn’t until she was 30 years old that she decided to do it.

“I grew up in a very hardworking family, my dad was a jack of all trades. He even installed a big parabolic TV antenna so we could watch all the Mexican channels and not loose our Mexican roots.”

Rocio has managed to break molds in the industry.

 “I am in awe of today’s Latino filmmakers. The film ‘El Paisa,’ and other projects, show that there is a generation of artists who truly connect and care about the community.” 

“I’ve been a teaching artist and educator for 20 years, and it’s been an honor mentoring youth to express themselves through art. It’s my students who inspired me to finally pursue my dream of being an actor.”, she said.

In Rocio’s mind, the marks on her parents’ hands are always present.

“They were full of blisters.I want to bring humanity and tell the stories of our immigrant journeys. Latinos work some of the toughest jobs in this country. It doesn’t matter what job they do. They deserve respect, and for their stories to be told, that is my mission,” she says.

Her mother just retired, she worked until she was 67 years old.

“She would put on her cap and there she was, working in the greenhouse. This country needs Latinos, it needs immigrants,” she says.

Daniel Eduvijes Carrera says, “Perfection. Rocio is pure talent. We are collaborating on a new film that focuses more on the character of ERNESTA!”, the character based on his mom. (Rocío López)

The path has not been very easy for Rocío. Her dad and mom are her heroes, and she has seen what discrimination looks like.

“I have fallen and gotten back up. Everything is a process. But like so many Latinas luchonas, I do not give up. I am here. I have a wonderful husband, and a two-year-old daughter, they are my life,” she says.

Daniel Eduvijes Carrera says, “Perfection. Rocio is pure talent. We are collaborating on a new film that focuses more on the character of ERNESTA!”, the character based on his mom.

One thing is clear, all those days her parents spent working in the fields have built one of the most genuine voices in the Latino artistic scene.

“As a Latina actress, sometimes it’s easy to feel discouraged with so many stereotypical roles I audition for. But I don’t give up hope that change is coming, and we will keep striving for the positive representation of our community,” she concludes.

El Paisa: “Ay’mijo, I think you’re finally trying to tell me something.” Daniel Eduvijes