Showing posts with label Sundance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sundance. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Sundance 2012: Our Favorite Interviews

Drake and Spike Lee among MTV News' favorite sit-downs at this year's Sundance Film Festival.By Josh Wigler, with additional reporting by Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) and Sam Hendrick

The Sundance Film Festival is still raging on in Park City, Utah, but the MTV Movies team is back home safe and sound after a weeklong journey filled with movie screenings and high-profile interviews. If you're interested in hearing about the films that caught the most buzz at Sundance this year, never fear: We've got you covered.

But there's more to enjoy at Sundance than just the movies themselves; there are also interviews with countless actors, filmmakers, musicians and other stars for you to chew on. From the absurdly hilarious to the cool and informative, here are our favorite interviews conducted by MTV News at Sundance this year:

5. AnnaLynne McCord
It was the nip slip heard 'round the cyber-world. Weeks ago, "90210" actress AnnaLynne McCord inadvertently posted a photo of herself on Twitter that revealed more than she bargained for. But lest you think she's embarrassed about the overexposure, think again. "The moral of the story is not to stop taking pictures of yourself naked," she told MTV News. "We all like being naked. Just make sure that the little bit of your areola isn't in the picture before you send it to a hundred billion people."

4. Andy Samberg and Rashida Jones
The stars of "Celeste and Jesse Forever" tackle uncomfortable but often funny subject matter in their Sundance indie. In real life, the situation isn't so different. Samberg and Jones are both hilarious in their regular "SNL" and "Parks & Rec" gigs, and in person, the laughs are there as well — even when it comes to a topic as uncomfortable as Lana Del Ray's "SNL" collapse. "People gave her a lot of crap. I saw it online. BriWi," he said when we asked about the incident; BriWi, of course, refers to "NBC Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams' critique of the performance. Try watching the veteran newsman without thinking of him as "BriWi" again. It's just not possible.

3. Spike Lee
The New York filmmaker brought Brooklyn to Park City with his new film "Red Hook Summer," a spiritually charged drama that takes a dark and unexpected turn before the credits roll. The movie hasn't been kindly received by all critics, but regardless of reception, Lee's thought process behind the film was a revelation to hear. "We wanted to make a film about young black kids like 'Stand by Me,' " he said. "I love that film. Where's the people-of-color version of that film? I'm not saying this is it, but that's the type of film. ... I want to see that. [Writer] James [McBride] and I wanted to see this film in a theater. We wanted the world to see these characters in this isolated part of Brooklyn, Red Hook."

2. Drake
Battling tigers is not always easy. But when you're Drake, it's always awesome. The Toronto MC performed at Sundance and spoke with MTV News ahead of the gig, recounting his recent trip to Africa, during which he did battle with a true-blue tiger. We kid you not. "I went on a safari. I got tackled by a tiger. It was crazy," Drake recounted for MTV's Sam Hendrick, who mustered the only response humanly possible to such wild and crazy news: "That's dope!" Co-signed, Sam.

1. Paul Giamatti
MTV Movie Brawl 2012 came to a close during our time at Sundance. With hours to go before the polls closed, David Cronenberg's "Cosmopolis" clinched the win with an absolutely insurmountable lead. One of the film's many stars, Paul Giamatti, was on the ground in Park City and was happy to accept the top honor on the "Cosmopolis" cast's behalf. "Holy cow, that's astounding!" he said upon hearing the news. "The fact of that is amazing. ... That's a really cool thing that it brings that visibility to that movie."

Bonus: Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim
Perhaps the greatest of all the interviews we enjoyed at Sundance is one we have yet to unveil: our conversation with the absurd duo behind "Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie." We cannot verify the film's actual budget, but our interview with Mr. Heidecker and Mr. Wareheim is worth at least a billion bucks. You'll see it soon, but for now, some out-of-context teasers: Will Forte. "Filet of fish, no bun." "Back to you." If it doesn't make sense yet, just wait — it'll be even less clear when the insanity-fueled interview hits the Web. Stay tuned ...

Stick with the MTV Movies team as we roll out more coverage from the Sundance Film Festival!

Rashida Jones and Andy SambergRashida Jones and Andy SambergPhoto: MTV News

Photos Paris Hilton and Redfoo at Park City LiveVictoria JusticeTracy Morgan attends the Creative Coalition's Annual Spotlight Initiative Awards Gala DinnerGabe Saporta and Nate Novarro of Cobra Starship perform at The Bing Bar

Photos: Celebrities Hit The Ground At Sundance 2012 Film FestView All Photos �

Related VideosSundance 2012: Interviews From Park CityVideo: Sundance 2012: Interviews From Park CityPosted1/24/12

Related PhotosSundance 2012: Behind The Scenes PhotosPhotos: Sundance 2012: Behind The Scenes Photos Comments
MTV Logo: GOWEBMUSIC | SHOWS | NEWS | MOVIES | FULL EPISODES | TV SCHEDULE | MUSIC VIDEOS | MOVIE TRAILERS | BROWSE ARTISTS A-Z | RADIO | ONLINE GAMES | MOBILE | DOWNLOAD MTV DIRECTSPONSORSAD: MTV Logo: �2012 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. MTV and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.Ad Choices logoAd Choices


View the Original article

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Another side of Ai Weiwei shown in Sundance film

By Christine Kearney | Reuters – Sun, Jan 22, 2012 Related ContentDirector Alison Klayman talks to the media before the screening of the film Enlarge Photo

Director Alison Klayman talks to the media before the screening of the film "Ai Weiwei …

Politics slideshowsAriz. Gov. Brewer, Obama face off6 photos - 19 hrs agoRep. Barney Frank marrying longtime partner7 photos - 4 hrs agoFirst Lady Michelle Obama20 photos - Wed, Jan 25, 2012See latest photos » PARK CITY, Utah (Reuters) - A new documentary film offers a glimpse into the life of Chinese artist and dissident Ai Weiwei, conveying a creative, brave, yet humble man who has become more cautious following his 81-day government detention in 2011.

"Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry," which premiered at the Sundance film festival on Sunday, features interviews China's leading artists and activists and people who surround Ai in is life.

It includes footage that humanizes the man, showing suprising tears from his mother worried about his safety, the artist playing with his young son, and highlights from his projects such as a poor response to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

Ai, who was named the world's most powerful artist by U.K-based ArtReview magazine in October since his release, appears in interviews only before his detention, but not after his release.

The 54-year-old bearded, burly Chinese artist wanted to attend the Sundance screening "but felt it was just going to invite too much trouble," the film's director Alison Klayman told the audience after a standing ovation in Park City, Utah, where the festival takes place.

Ai became a symbol for China's crackdown on artists and dissidents when his disappearance and secret detention after battling Chinese authorities sparked an international outcry.

Last November he paid a bond of 8.4 million yuan (then $1.3 million) on a tax evasion charge, which he denies, while his supporters continued to raise the full, combined bill of 15 million yuan (then $2.4 million.)

Klayman spent several years chronicling his rise to prominence and told the audience she believed the detention of the artist, which became a rallying point for China's free speech and other movements, had changed him.

"There was absolutely a change. I really think about it as: there was the time before the detention and there was the time after," she said. "The big thing is that he is constantly changing, he always has been, so I don't know where it is going to end up."

INSIGHT INTO AI

The film offers audiences some insight into Ai's childhood, family, formative time spent living for years in New York and his reasons for often criticizing China's government, which is expressed in many of his contemporary works.

"If you don't act, the danger becomes stronger," says Ai, who had a hand in designing the Bird's Nest stadium at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has had installations at some of the world's major museums including London's Tate Modern Gallery.

"Never Sorry" shows his efforts gathering and listing more than 5,000 names of students who died in the Sichuan earthquake,

pointing to shoddy school construction and claiming that he was punched in the head by police in Sichuan's capital Chengdu.

But it also offers glimpses of a loving father and stoic son rarely publicly separated from his art and activism.

"Every night I can't sleep," his mother, Gao Ying, says to him in the film before breaking down in tears because she is worried she will not see him again.

"We'll endure what we can," he answers calmly, before later calling himself "an eternal optimist."

Klayman, who doubted there would be a public screening of the film in China, told the audience it was clear that being a father had altered Ai's life, too, along with detention.

He seems more careful, she said, when talking about footage in the documentary showing that upon his release, Ai uncharacteristically speaks little to reporters.

"He does have to be a lot more cautious. If this was a year ago he would be here," said Klayman.

(Reporting By Christine Kearney; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

@yahoonews on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook Editors' PicksPresident Obama, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer Share Tense Tarmac MomentslideshowAriz. Gov. Brewer, Obama face offFirefighters search for survivors in a building that collapsed in downtown Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)slideshowBuildings collapse in Rio de JaneiroNadal of Spain celebrates winning a point against Federer of Switzerland during semi-final match at the Australian Open in MelbournestoryBallboy makes incredible catchDogs start a stage of the Sedivackuv Long dog sled race near the village of Destne v Orlickych horach, Czech Republic, on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)slideshowTough dog sled race under wayLARGETHUMBvideoAlaska hit by record snowfallMoney changer shows some one-hundred U.S. dollar bills at an exchange booth in TokyostoryThe Fed does NOT "print money"Explore Related Content1 - 4 of 12prevnextMother Used Sign As Punishment For SonPlay Video

Mother Used Sign As Punishment For  …

CBS4 Miami

Another side of Ai Weiwei shown in Sundance …

PARK CITY, Utah (Reuters) - A new documentary film offers a glimpse into the &8230 Full Story »

Yahoo! OMG (RSS)

Should the U.S. be More Like China?Play Video

Should the U.S. be More Like China?

FOXBusiness

The Most Dangerous Man in China

When filmmaker Alison Klayman was shooting the documentary "Never Scared" about … Full Story »The Most Dangerous Man in China

Around the World

Top Stories »Pentagon: Army, Marines to shrink as budget slowsSomali captors move US hostage after SEAL raidWhy is investment income taxed less than wages?Egypt bans travel for US official's son, 9 othersBin Laden raid commander seeks global expansionObama-Brewer friction on display on tarmac tiffNo energy industry backing for the word 'fracking' Most PopularLow IQ & Conservative Beliefs Linked to PrejudicePresident Obama, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer Share Tense Tarmac MomentNorth Carolina Death Row Inmate Writes Letter About Life of 'Leisure'Arizona Gov. Brewer gets book critique from ObamaStudy of freakish mystery illness finds no causeFormer President John Tyler’s (1790-1862) grandchildren still alive Today on Yahoo!1 - 4 of 48prevnextThe 11 cheapest weekends to fly this year

The 11 cheapest weekends to fly this year

Tenth president's mind-boggling family tree

Tenth president's mind-boggling family tree

Obama has tense exchange in Arizona

Obama has tense exchange in Arizona

Company accused of copying hit game

Company accused of copying hit game

  All Comments Shared On Facebook 18 comments Popular Now Newest Oldest Most Replied Tremont Tremont  •  7 hrs ago Ai Weiwei is just the tip of the sword of millions of folks in China who see the hypocrisy and the corruption of those in power. russJ russJ  •  Indianapolis, Indiana  •  3 hrs ago Brave man... Unlike the cowards in this column that are critical him !! WilliamJ WilliamJ  •  Sacramento, California  •  6 hrs ago He may be an artist, but he gains attention by producing profane art and generating awe and shock. BKAAF BKAAF  •  Kansas City, Kansas  •  3 days ago He made be more well known for his political views than his art which if it had been created in a free society would have barely been noticed. Watt D Fuch Watt D Fuch  •  6 hrs ago Ai Wei Wei can't see his peepee anyway Outsider Outsider  •  Lawrence, Massachusetts  •  2 days 11 hrs ago He could be anything but humble - check some facts please. Among 1.3 billion, he can rank below the bottom 1% of not being humble. He is just a crazy guy trying very hard to get attention and money. His talent is his father, a old guard Chinese commi. Think if he is from a different family, and think millions who are more capable than he but got no opportunity. What this "humble" person did for real Chinese people? His art? Time will tell.

There are many like him in the past...... ChingChong ChingChong  •  7 hrs ago Did Ai Wei Wei lost his Wee-Wee?? What happened to that fighting spirit?? joshua joshua  •  3 days ago Keep buying his arts, they help his motives. Truth Hurts Truth Hurts  •  Willards, Maryland  •  3 days ago I just don't understand why can't he work on his art outside of China, now the Chinese government have released him and give him back his passport. The Big Salad The Big Salad  •  3 days ago I'm with Ai Weiwei, I'm for safe construction of schools, anti-government corruption, and for free speech. Never give up, Weiwei. frank frank  •  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  •  2 days 22 hrs ago A man with no sorry is not humble...what a farking crap Ed Ed  •  3 days ago Ai WeiWei represents the conscience of China, not the heartless or mindless manner of the current regime and its lackies, in particular the 50 Cent Party that will try to negate anything that deviates from the kleptocracy's point of view. He and Liu Xiaobo just want the government to obey its own constitution. Hu c Hu c  •  Kansas City, Missouri  •  3 hrs ago same old, same old things .....chinese dogs are barking all over the issue when being ordered to Kascha_Kwan Kascha_Kwan  •  Atlantic City, New Jersey  •  1 day 16 hrs ago Ai Weiwei's other great films are : ....... " An Inconvenient Full Bladder " , ......... " Who Left The Seat Up ?, " ......" Suzanne Somers Slept Here " ,.... " Next Rest Area, 20 Miles " ..... " Eight Kidney Stones and a Urologist " , " The Soggy Mattress " ....... and my all time favorite ....... " The Yellow Stream " Troll Troll  •  North Pole, Alaska  •  3 days ago He should be come the Dali Lama and hang out in Hollywood! Cool! mb mb  •  3 days ago The Chinese trolls are out in force again today... Intelligent Designer Intelligent Designer  •  3 days ago "Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry," that he over ate! KingKong KingKong  •  3 days ago Wei Wei, Wei! Is it the movie about a pig?  Post a comment [[ [['Dekraai', 10]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/mourners-remember-seal-beach-shooting-victims-1318620627-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/3/2c/32c8e92d889f42edb719cb5257afdf4e.jpeg', '461', ' ', 'Reuters/Lori Shepler',],[ [['iPhone 4SXXXXXXX', 11]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/thousands-line-up-for-apple-s-iphone-4s-1318602841-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/f/4f/f4f15e8f6f323f5386dc9fdf9e15dca8.jpeg', '500', ' ', 'AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth',]][ [ [['xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx', 11]], '27013743', '0'],[ [['keyword', 9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999]], 'videoID', '1', 'overwrite-pre-description', 'overwrite-link-string', 'overwrite-link-url' ]] You on Yahoo! News Your Activity |Social: OFFON Turn Social ONRemind me when I share|Options What is this?Not you? Log out of FacebookHow to remove this experienceLogin with FacebookNews For YouItaly ship captain "wasted precious hour"Drew Carey & Fiancee Call Off EngagementMom Who Lost Kids, Parents in Christmas Fire Attempted Suicide: ReportBrad Pitt Marrying Angelina and Having More KidsShock Over 10th U.S. President’s Grandsons Still LivingMan gets car ban after 4 children found in trunkBill Would Ban Aborted Fetuses in FoodBrewer says she meant no disrespect toward ObamaNASA's 'impossibly beautiful' photo of EarthPelosi: Gingrich Will ‘Never’ Be President, ‘There Is Something I Know’Remake America

In 2012, Yahoo! News will tell the nation’s story through the experiences and views of real Americans like you. Watch the first Remake America video »

Loading... Romney supporter Mario Diaz-Balart says ‘self-deportation’ was mistake, like Obama’s ’57 states’ goof3 hrs agoGingrich spokesman: The Speaker misled in response to John King during debate6 hrs agoSecond term, same as the first? Obama needs to explain what he has learned in office: …7 hrs agoTop Line: What the Gingrich/Romney dead heat means for the GOP race8 hrs agoNew polls show Gingrich and Romney in dead heat in FloridaWed, Jan 25, 2012Ron Paul action figures! The best, worst and weirdest swag of the 2012 campaignWed, Jan 25, 2012 On This SiteHomeU.S.WorldBusinessEntertainmentSportsTechPoliticsScienceHealthBlogsLocalPopular Also On Yahoo!AutosFinanceGamesGroupsHealthMapsMoviesMusicomg!ShineShoppingSportsTravelTVY! News RSSY! News Alert All Yahoo! » Trending NowVanna WhiteBlue Ivy godmotherCallista Gingrich hairRihanna Tupac tattooJennifer AnistonKhloe KardashianNitrous oxideAT&TAtlanta officer struck30-year mortgage rates (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Check for restrictions at: http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp Copyright © 2012 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved. | Yahoo! - ABC News Network | Help / Suggestions Privacy Policy About Our Ads Terms of Service Copyright/IP Policy

View the Original article

Newcomer Gina Rodriguez wows Sundance as "Filly Brown"

Newcomer Gina Rodriguez wows Sundance as "Filly Brown" - Yahoo! News .yom-art-related .bd{border-bottom:3px double #DADADA;margin-bottom:10px;}.yog-page .yom-art-bd .yog-11u{overflow:visible;}.yom-art-content, .yom-art-content .bd{zoom:0;}.yog-8u .yom-top-story .bd .list-titlethumbsummary li .txt a{font-size:108%;}.yog-8u .yom-top-story .bd .yom-list-large li.thumb p{color:#333;font-size:93% !important;}.yog-8u .yom-top-story .bd .list-titlethumbsummary li .txt .headmore{display:none;}.yom-ib-list{font-size:100%;}#yom-edp{display: none;}#edp{border:none;}#yom-edp-video{display: none;} .yom-art-related .bd{ border-bottom:3px double #DADADA;margin-bottom:10px;} .yog-page .yom-art-bd .yog-11u{ overflow:visible;} .yom-art-content, .yom-art-content .bd{ zoom:0;} #ib-carousel-1363810885 {width:640px;}#ib-carousel-1363810885 .yui-carousel-element {width:640px;}#ib-carousel-1363810885 .yui-carousel-item {width:160px;height:160px;}#ib-carousel-1363810885 .yui-carousel-item .item {width:160px;height:160px;}#hcm-carousel-1312144456 {width:640px;}#hcm-carousel-1312144456 .yui-carousel-element {width:640px;}#hcm-carousel-1312144456 .yui-carousel-item {width:160px;height:148px;}#hcm-carousel-1312144456 .yui-carousel-item .item {width:160px;height:148px;} #yUnivHead.yucs-ta-in #yuhead-hd li#yuhead-username a { font-weight: normal;}#yUnivHead.yucs-ta-in #yuhead-hd #yuhead-mepanel-cont #yuhead-mepanel li em { font-weight: normal;}#yUnivHead.yucs-bn-in #yuhead-bd #yuhead-search {width:48%;}#yUnivHead{}#yUnivHead .yuhead-bullet-down{background-position:right -119px;}/* font color */#yUnivHead {color:#fff;}#yUnivHead a{color:#fff;}#yUnivHead a:hover{color:#fff;}#yuhead-hd #yuhead-mepanel-cont #yuhead-mepanel li.yuhead-me{border-color:#fff;}#yuhead-hd #yuhead-com-links-cont #yuhead-com-links li.yuhead-com-link-item{border-color:#fff;}.yuhead-logo h2 a{color:#fff;}/* promo color */#yUnivHead #yuhead-promo .yucs-promo-label{color:#fff;}#yUnivHead #yuhead-promo a{color:#fff;}#yUnivHead #yuhead-promo a:hover{color:#fff;}/* background, border, gradients */#yUnivHead { background:transparent;}/* trending promo background - match to header top background */#yUnivHead .yucs-trending-anim .yucs-trending-anim-fade {background:transparent;}/*logos*/#yUnivHead .yuhead-logo h2 {background-position:0px -120px;}#yUnivHead .yuhead-logo h2.small {background-position:0px -360px;} Skip to search. New User? Register Sign InHelp Make Y! My Homepage Mail My Y! Yahoo! .yuhead-logo h2{ width:217px; height:30px; background-image:url(http://l.yimg.com/a/i/brand/purplelogo/uh/us/20/news/news.png); _background-image:url(http://l.yimg.com/a/i/brand/purplelogo/uh/us/20/news/news-2f4e6b.gif); } .yuhead-logo a{ width:217px; height:30px; } .yuhead-logo div.yuhead-comarketing { width:217px; } Yahoo! News Search Search Web HomeVideoPhotosGMAYear in ReviewOddComicsTravelOpinionLeap ListTrending NowVitalityWho Knew?WeatherU.S.U.S. VideoGMAEducationReligionCrimes and TrialsThe LookoutSept. 11LocalContributor NetworkYear in ReviewWorldWorld VideoMiddle EastEuropeLatin AmericaAfricaAsiaCanadaAustralia/AntarcticaThe EnvoyBusinessVideoU.S. EconomyStocksEarningsPersonal FinancePress ReleasesTaxesMarketplaceNewsmakersEntertainmentVideoClinton ConcertCelebrityTVMoviesMusicReviewsFashionBooksArtsTheaterDear AbbyComicsOdd NewsSportsVideoNFLMLBNBANCAAFNCAABSoccerCyclingNHLTennisGolfBoxingMotor SportsMMAExtremeTechBlogInternetGadgetsWirelessAppleSocial MediaSecurityOpen SourceGamingAppsUpgrade Your LifePoliticsDestination 2012The TicketThe SignalRemake AmericaWhite HouseCongressThe CourtsPress ReleasesVideoScienceScience VideoWeather NewsSpace / AstronomyAnimal / PetsDinosaurs / FossilsBiotechEnergyGreenHealthVideoWeight LossCancerSexual HealthMedications/DrugsParenting/KidsSeniors/AgingDiseases/ConditionsVitalityBlogsThe UpshotThe CutlineThe EnvoyThe LookoutThe SideshowThe TicketAround the WorldPower PlayersThis Could Be BigNewsmakersTrending NowLocalPopular SearchKeywordNews Search Featured»VideosPhotosTrending NowVitalityWho Knew?Odd NewsPower PlayersDestination 2012 YOUR FRIENDS' ACTIVITY prev next

Newcomer Gina Rodriguez wows Sundance as "Filly Brown"By Zorianna Kit | Reuters – Mon, Jan 23, 2012 Related ContentActress Gina Rodriguez poses for a portrait while promoting the film Enlarge Photo

Actress Gina Rodriguez poses for a portrait while promoting the film "Filly Brown" …

PARK CITY, Utah (Reuters) - Gina Rodriguez may have arrived at the Sundance Film Festival as a complete unknown, but the 27-year Puerto Rican is leaving it an indie film star.

Rodriguez became the toast of the Sundance Film Festival's opening weekend playing the title character in new movie "Filly Brown," about a young Latina rapper struggling to keep her family together after her mom is jailed on drug charges.

When Filly gets a crack at musical stardom, she must make a choice between staying true to her poetic lyrics or accepting a deal that focuses on her sexuality but guarantees a paycheck.

Under the tutelage of Latin hip-hop record veterans Lisa "Khool-Aid" Rios and Edward "E-Dub" Rios, who served as the film's music producers, Rodriguez was so convincing as a singer that in a question-and-answer session after the film's premiere, audience members asked where they could buy her music.

The Hollywood Reporter said Rodriguez delivered a "magnetic star turn" and a "dynamic breakout performance" in a film where her screen time is split between churning out dramatic acting and rapping numerous hip-hop numbers.

With reactions and reviews like that, there can be little doubt that "Filly Brown" marks a career-making performance for Rodriguez, who last year appeared on TV soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful" and in a supporting role in the film "Go For It!"

She told Reuters that playing Filly Brown was amazing opportunity to portray a character with whom she could identify.

"It's a powerful Latina lead, and seldom do I get the opportunity to audition for something like that," said Rodriguez. "Filly is tough, or least she uses the toughness to hide her pain sometimes, and I think we all do that."

"Filly had a dream, and she didn't know how to go about doing it and she didn't really have help," Rodriguez said. "I can understand that."

FROM CHICAGO TO SUNDANCE

Born and raised in an inner city neighborhood of Chicago, Rodriguez "came from nothing" as the youngest of three sisters of Puerto Rican immigrants who stressed education with their daughters. Heeding that advice, Rodriguez's older sisters went on to become an investment banker and a lawyer, but Rodriguez wanted to act, much to her father's dismay.

She studied at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and worked in theater before booking her first guest-starring role on TV crime show "Law & Order." But it was her father seeing her play Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in an American Stage production of "Casa Blue" that served as a turning point for the young actress.

"He turned to me and said he was proud," said Rodriguez, her eyes tearing up. "Having him accept what I did, that was my big break. It's so important to me to make my father and mother proud. And I want to do it with integrity and respect."

With buzz building, she already has secured a talent development deal at the ABC television network and is plotting to work on a movie where she'd play a female boxer.

Additionally, now that she's a legitimate music artist thanks to the songs she recorded in "Filly Brown," Rodriguez is not averse to pursuing a music career.

"I've always had an alter ego; I sing in the shower like everybody else does," she laughed.

She is spending time in a recording studio with Khool-Aid and E-Dub, both of whom helped Rodriguez find her voice and introduced her to Latino hip-hop and artists and others.

But even as movie and music executives come knocking at her with the riches promised by stardom, Rodriguez wants to use any new fame to be a role model for young Latina girls.

"I want to give a voice to these girls in the 'hood where I grew up and let them know that you can be an investment banker, or a doctor, and we can portray that on screen," said Rodriguez.

"Any dream you have takes hard work, doesn't happen overnight and you shouldn't be afraid of that," she said. "If you put your heart and soul into it, and you do it with honesty and integrity and respect, you will succeed. I am a testament to that."

(Reporting By Zorianna Kit; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

@yahoonews on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook What do you think? What do you think of the Oscar nominations? Worthy films being honored. An elitist selection, I haven't seen any of them! 35%

4,739 people have answered this question.

65% Loading... Editors' PicksPresident Obama, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer Share Tense Tarmac MomentslideshowAriz. Gov. Brewer, Obama face offFirefighters search for survivors in a building that collapsed in downtown Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)slideshowBuildings collapse in Rio de JaneiroNadal of Spain celebrates winning a point against Federer of Switzerland during semi-final match at the Australian Open in MelbournestoryBallboy makes incredible catchDogs start a stage of the Sedivackuv Long dog sled race near the village of Destne v Orlickych horach, Czech Republic, on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)slideshowTough dog sled race under wayLARGETHUMBvideoAlaska hit by record snowfallMoney changer shows some one-hundred U.S. dollar bills at an exchange booth in TokyostoryThe Fed does NOT "print money"Explore Related Content1 - 4 of 10prevnextFrom left, co-director Youssef Delara, actors Edward James Olmos, Gina Rodriguez, co-director Michael D. Olmos, and actor Lou Diamond Phillips, from the film

From left, co-director Youssef Delara, …

Actress Gina Rodriguez poses for a portrait while promoting the film

Actress Gina Rodriguez poses for a portrait …

Actor Edward James Olmos, from the film

Actor Edward James Olmos, from the film …

"Filly Brown" Portraits - 2012 Sundance …

Top Stories »Pentagon: Army, Marines to shrink as budget slowsSomali captors move US hostage after SEAL raidWhy is investment income taxed less than wages?Egypt bans travel for US official's son, 9 othersBin Laden raid commander seeks global expansionObama-Brewer friction on display on tarmac tiffNo energy industry backing for the word 'fracking' Most PopularLow IQ & Conservative Beliefs Linked to PrejudicePresident Obama, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer Share Tense Tarmac MomentNorth Carolina Death Row Inmate Writes Letter About Life of 'Leisure'Arizona Gov. Brewer gets book critique from ObamaStudy of freakish mystery illness finds no causeFormer President John Tyler’s (1790-1862) grandchildren still alive Today on Yahoo!1 - 4 of 48prevnextBaldwin breaks silence on airline fiasco

Baldwin breaks silence on airline fiasco

Tenth president's mind-boggling family tree

Tenth president's mind-boggling family tree

Record-breaking snowfall for one U.S. state

Record-breaking snowfall for one U.S. state

Ball boy's incredible catch during match

Ball boy's incredible catch during match

  All Comments Shared On Facebook 5 comments Popular Now Newest Oldest Most Replied Nonnie22 Nonnie22  •  2 days 22 hrs ago Good for her! If one goes by the interview she sounds like a down to earth person with a lot of talent. c;ldjio; c;ldjio;  •  Black Mountain, North Carolina  •  2 days 10 hrs ago @ Sean Kennedy. Did you even read the article? The main character is a rap artist trying to improve her life and that of her family--she's not a drug dealer. Phillyvegas Phillyvegas  •  Irvine, California  •  2 days 22 hrs ago Love, love, LOVE this! You go, my boricua sista!! :) Craven Moorehead Craven Moorehead  •  2 days 23 hrs ago Hooray? Sean Kennedy Sean Kennedy  •  Boston, Massachusetts  •  2 days 22 hrs ago Ahh great. Another propaganda film trying to whitewash drug dealing folks and their non-academic kids in America. Should be inspirational.  Post a comment [[ [['Dekraai', 10]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/mourners-remember-seal-beach-shooting-victims-1318620627-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/3/2c/32c8e92d889f42edb719cb5257afdf4e.jpeg', '461', ' ', 'Reuters/Lori Shepler',],[ [['iPhone 4SXXXXXXX', 11]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/thousands-line-up-for-apple-s-iphone-4s-1318602841-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/f/4f/f4f15e8f6f323f5386dc9fdf9e15dca8.jpeg', '500', ' ', 'AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth',]][ [ [['xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx', 11]], '27013743', '0'],[ [['keyword', 9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999]], 'videoID', '1', 'overwrite-pre-description', 'overwrite-link-string', 'overwrite-link-url' ]] You on Yahoo! News Your Activity |Social: OFFON Turn Social ONRemind me when I share|Options What is this?Not you? Log out of FacebookHow to remove this experienceLogin with FacebookNews For YouItaly ship captain "wasted precious hour"Drew Carey & Fiancee Call Off EngagementMom Who Lost Kids, Parents in Christmas Fire Attempted Suicide: ReportBrad Pitt Marrying Angelina and Having More KidsShock Over 10th U.S. President’s Grandsons Still LivingMan gets car ban after 4 children found in trunkBill Would Ban Aborted Fetuses in FoodBrewer says she meant no disrespect toward ObamaNASA's 'impossibly beautiful' photo of EarthPelosi: Gingrich Will ‘Never’ Be President, ‘There Is Something I Know’Loading... Entertainment News »FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2007 file photo, Co-host Vanna White and host Pat Sajak make an appearance at Radio City Music Hall for a taping of celebrity week on Sajak: Vanna and I drank between 'Wheel' tapings

The "Wheel of Fortune" wasn't the only thing spinning for Pat Sajak and Vanna White back in the day. More »Sajak: Vanna and I drank between 'Wheel' tapings

FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2007 file photo, Co-host Vanna White and host Pat Sajak make an appearance at Radio City Music Hall for a taping of celebrity week on

The "Wheel of Fortune" wasn't the only thing spinning for Pat Sajak and Vanna White back in the day.

FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2011 file photo, actress Lily Rabe attends the premiere of Picks revealed for free summer Central Park plays MARK KENNEDY

The Public Theater will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Shakespeare in the Park series this summer with a little Bard and a little Sondheim. More »Picks revealed for free summer Central Park plays

FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2011 file photo, actress Lily Rabe attends the premiere of

The Public Theater will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Shakespeare in the Park series this summer with a little Bard and a little Sondheim.

In this June 17, 2011 photo, Kenny Chesney appears on the NBC Kenny Chesney leads ACM Awards nominations with 9 CHRIS TALBOTT

Kenny Chesney's steamy duet, "You and Tequila" with Grace Potter, continues to radiate heat. More »Kenny Chesney leads ACM Awards nominations with 9

In this June 17, 2011 photo, Kenny Chesney appears on the NBC

Kenny Chesney's steamy duet, "You and Tequila" with Grace Potter, continues to radiate heat.

Ice-T, from the film Sundance fest embraces hip-hop on stage and screen SANDY COHEN

Hip-hop is making itself heard — and seen — at the Sundance Film Festival. More »Sundance fest embraces hip-hop on stage and screen

Ice-T, from the film

Hip-hop is making itself heard — and seen — at the Sundance Film Festival.

Box Office Preview: 'Underworld' to bite again PAUL DERGARABEDIAN

Sony's "Underworld: Awakening" should be wide awake atop the domestic box office again this weekend, with a gross of around $12 million following last weekend's $25 million debut and continued dominance … More »Box Office Preview: 'Underworld' to bite again

Sony's "Underworld: Awakening" should be wide awake atop the domestic box office again this weekend, with a gross of around $12 million following last weekend's $25 million debut and continued dominance midweek.

 FeaturedShare your story

Have something to say? Join the Yahoo! Contributor Network and share your story. More »Share your story

Prime Time in No Time

Host Frank Nicotero recaps last night's TV shows. More »Prime Time in No Time

Watch the Clinton Concert

See performances by Lady Gaga, Usher and The Edge and Bono. More »Watch the Clinton Concert

Video: Who Knew?

Just when you thought you knew the news... More »Video: Who Knew?

Education EducationHow to: Switch careers in one year

See how the right certificate program could prepare you for a new career in one year.

Surprise!

Check out 7 surprising careers with high earning potential.

On This SiteHomeU.S.WorldBusinessEntertainmentSportsTechPoliticsScienceHealthBlogsLocalPopular Also On Yahoo!AutosFinanceGamesGroupsHealthMapsMoviesMusicomg!ShineShoppingSportsTravelTVY! News RSSY! News Alert All Yahoo! » Trending NowVanna WhiteBlue Ivy godmotherCallista Gingrich hairRihanna Tupac tattooJennifer AnistonKhloe KardashianNitrous oxideAT&TAtlanta officer struck30-year mortgage rates (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Check for restrictions at: http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp Copyright © 2012 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved. | Yahoo! - ABC News Network | Help / Suggestions Privacy Policy About Our Ads Terms of Service Copyright/IP Policy

View the Original article