Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosa Parra.
Hi Rosa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in East L.A. I’m a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. Proud mother to 4 daughters and proud grandmother to 1 grandon. I’ve been a Southern California girl my entire life.
I’ve been doing film criticism since 2017. What began as an attempt to keep up with conversations about newly released films slowly evolved into viewing film from a deeper, more meaningful perspective rather than just for distraction. I started taking film history courses to understand the industry and gain insight into how movies are made. Gaining knowledge in filmmaking fostered a greater appreciation for every film I watch, as I understand the endless hours, sweat, and tears involved. Additionally, I developed a new appreciation for different genres. The relevance of films to society and their impact on shaping views continue to motivate my dedication to film criticism. I quickly realized how underrepresented groups are depicted in Hollywood. For a very long time, women have often been shown as distressed madams or eye candy, while Latinos were frequently portrayed as antagonists, among other unflattering stereotypes. During one of my film courses, we were going to explore Latinos and their influence in film and TV. Excited to learn about Latinos’ contributions quickly turned into disappointment and frustration when only a page and a half was dedicated to their influence. This inspired me to create a podcast highlighting Latinos in film—actors, directors, cinematographers, and even composers. Although the podcast is no longer in production, I am proud of the work we did and the people we showcased (Podcast: Latinx Lens). I have been incredibly fortunate to have my words quoted in movies for marketing purposes. From musicals like “In The Heights” (where I’m quoted on their physical media) to sci-fi films like “Dune 2” to comedies like “The Naked Gun,” I am grateful for what film criticism has given me. My latest major achievement was participating in Rotten Tomatoes’ critical thinking video, where I joined two other critics in discussing our favorite Spanish-language horror movies. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but it has been rewarding. I admit I initially fell into the comparison game, questioning why some people were given access while others weren’t. As a freelancer, it’s more challenging to get interviews, screeners, and press credentials for festivals or major events without backing from a credible or well-funded outlet. Now, I have a better understanding of how the industry operates and where I fit in. I’m also aware that living in Los Angeles gives me an advantage others might not have. Residing in the city where many films and TV shows are made allows for better access. Now, I see fellow film critics as voices who also have opinions worth sharing. There’s room for a variety of perspectives, and I recently realized that (thankfully, it only took six years to understand). Networking has been crucial in this line of work, and persistence is equally important. Upon reflection, doing film criticism as a side gig has been rewarding and even life-changing. I’ve learned a lot about historical events, people, humanity, philosophy, and even things out of this world. Don’t get me started on documentaries and international films. Watching films can be a distraction from the world we’re living in right now, but it can also serve as a reminder that storytelling has been an ancient form of socializing and being human.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I touched on some of this in my previous response, but to clarify, the journey hasn’t been easy. Being a freelance film critic is not the smoothest path to take. While there are only a few full-time jobs available for film critics, freelancing is more common than many might think. Most critics are self-employed, and some, like myself, pursue this as a part-time endeavor. I have a full-time job that covers my daily expenses, including attending film screenings and some festival costs. Financially, it can be challenging to be a freelance film critic unless it isn’t your primary source of income.
Establishing credibility is another struggle. Without a recognizable outlet to vouch for you, it can be difficult to gain trust within the industry. However, with persistence and hard work, it is possible. After three years of writing and discussing movies, I became an approved film critic on Rotten Tomatoes. This accomplishment has helped amplify my voice and contribute to the Tomatometer score.
It’s also worth noting that the mind can play tricks. It’s easy to fall into the comparison game, and feelings of envy can sometimes lead to criticizing other critics rather than the films themselves. I did fall into that trap temporarily, but I have since learned, grown, and shifted my priorities.
Lastly, just as films and TV shows are open to judgment, film criticism itself is subject to scrutiny. People will have opinions about our opinions, and developing thick skin is beneficial in this instance. With social media as a primary source of information, the comment sections can be quite an interesting scroll.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic and have had the honor of being quoted on several films. My most recent accomplishment is being featured in a Rotten Tomatoes segment of Critical Thinking. I have a passion for watching and analyzing films, and I enjoy discussing the influence, visions, stories, and impact of Latinos and women in the film industry. I am dedicated to highlighting Latino and women’s voices in film, as I can personally connect with those stories and perspectives. It’s always exciting to share my genuine thoughts on these narratives.
As a Chicana film critic, I recognize that my perspective is not as prevalent, and I take pride in being able to spark a small change in that regard.
During the day, I work as an Electron Microscopist Specialist in a laboratory at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Yes! A film nerd and a science nerd can coexist.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I attribute much of my success to one film critic group and two remarkable individuals. The Online Association of Female Film Critics was the first organization to accept me as a member. Louisa Moore, the president of the organization, was incredibly supportive and an integral mentor in my career. She guided me in covering my first film festival and introduced me to other female film critics in the group, all of whom were also supportive.
Matt Neglia, the founder and owner of the Next Best Picture (NBP) podcast and site, was the first person to reach out to me, inviting me to be a guest on his podcast. Today, NBP is one of the most influential voices in the industry. His invitation to appear on the podcast multiple times significantly boosted my credibility, allowing me to reach a level I had not been able to achieve on my own. At that time, Matt’s podcast was one of the few credible platforms that took a chance on me, despite my limited experience. He has always been generous with his time and support.
Perri Nemiroff was the first woman I encountered online who passionately discussed movies with remarkable knowledge. I still follow her today, and she continues to influence me with her insights and presence. She persevered in a field that was predominantly male at the time and has become one of the most respected film critics and interviewers in the industry. I have had the pleasure of meeting her, and she is a delight to talk with about movies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/critics/rosa-parra/movies?critic=self
- Instagram: @rosaparra2018
- Twitter: @rosasreviews
Image Credits
All photos were taken by me (Rosa Parra)
