How past inspires present

Mexican-American actress Jessica Alba has revealed that she got attracted to her latest film, Machete, because she could draw on her own heritage.

Mexican-American actress Jessica Alba has revealed that she got attracted to her latest film,

Machete

, because she could draw on her own heritage.

The 29-year-old star reunited with

Sin City

director Robert Rodriguez for the revenge thriller

Machete

. In the film, she plays a Latina character, a determined US Immigration agent, for the first time.

“I have never played a Latina in a film before... I’ve always thought if I’m going to play a Latina character, I want her to be this dynamic and strong woman, like the women I grew up with,” she said. The actress also said that her heritage meant she had an instant bond with the film’s director.

“Robert’s movies are so entertaining. I grew up Mexican-American and so did he. We were instantly like family,” she said.