I had to endure the worst time of all in terms of racial discrimination in Hollywood when I first started out. It was inconcievable to American directors and producers that a Mexican woman could have a lead role.

My first lead role was probably 'Party Girl' in 1994.

My first lead role was a stage play called 'A Kestrel for a Knave'. I was 11.

Imagine going in knowing that no Mexican American before you had ever succeeded in a lead role,

They offered me that film before I did Frida and I said, no, I'm not capable of directing. Then after seeing Julie direct, I was inspired by it. She motivated me to do it, because we don't have role models as woman for directors.

I wish I could play the lead role in one movie, one great movie.