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About this month's Honoree
Here at LIFE, we are so excited to start celebrating our members through our Spotlight program. Each month, we will be choosing one member to highlight, not only just their work, but their heart, passions and inspirations. We are so grateful and proud of our amazing members who are constantly working on creating art and pushing the Latino community forward. To kick off our first every monthly LIFE Spotlight, we’ve chosen to get up close and personal with our co-founder, Rob Alicea. Besides being LIFE’s co-founder, a filmmaker, writer and producer, he is also someone who is passionate about his role as a prominent Latino in the film industry, family and music. He also has a very charming dog, which is always a plus.
We asked Rob a series of questions about not only his work, but also his inspirations, creative process and life goals. Together, we explored who Rob truly is and hope that other members enjoy reading and learning more about LIFE.
Tell us about yourself. Who are you, where are you from, and how did you find yourself working in the entertainment industry?
My name is Rob Alicea, a Queens-born filmmaker, actor, and Co-Founder of Latinos In Film + Entertainment.
My first brush with the performing arts came through an after-school reading program at my local public library, where we performed stories much like a table read. I discovered that Ioved creating and performing, and years later, I would return to it at Hunter College. After college, I enrolled at the William Esper Studio in New York City while producing short films and working professionally on sets as a production assistant.
Fast-forward several years, and I had finally landed my first acting agent. I believed stardom was just around the corner. It didn’t quite turn out that way—which, as it happens, was for the better. My agent at the time encouraged me to write and produce independent work to create more opportunities for myself as an actor.
That advice opened a door I hadn’t expected. I caught the filmmaking bug and discovered something equally important: when I put my mind to something and surround myself with the right like-minded and like-hearted people, anything is possible. I also realized I never wanted to sit around waiting for opportunities to come to me.
That was the beginning of my journey, and my commitment, to the wonderful world of storytelling.
What's your theme song?
As New Yorkers, everyone knows us about our penchant to wear dark colors, plus listening to this one gets me as hyped today as it did when I first heard it: AC/DC’s Back in Black.
What project are you currently working on?
I directed a feature called Serena that is currently playing the festival circuit, and have another feature I produced that is in post-production. I am also finishing a spec script for a film I will direct and produce next year.
What project have you worked on that you are the most proud of? Why?
I’m truly proud of every project I’ve been a part of, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Serena. Not only is it my feature directorial debut, but the film also features hundreds of visual effects shots and presented an incredibly challenging set of creative and technical demands.
All in all, though, with the incredible team we had on board, Serena became the most fulfilling experience of my career.
What Latinx artists or art forms influence you?
Film-wise: Robert Rodriguez, Musically: Marc Anthony
What 5 items would you take to a deserted island and why?
1. The biggest jumbo pack of pens or pencils (enough to last the rest of my life.
2. A pack of enough notebooks to last me a lifetime.
3. Laptop
4. WiFi Router and Modem
5. The necklace I never take off.
As much as I love to write on my computer, actually jotting down my thoughts with actual pen and paper is a must for me - both personally and creatively. Given that I can’t confirm that there’s working electricity there, bringing a laptop + Wifi Router and Modem might be the biggest waste of my 5 items, but, hey, gotta think positive! And the necklace is a symbol for me to always keep moving forward.
What does your culture mean to you?
The Latino/Hispanic culture to me has always meant good music, loving life with the people who mean the most, and above all else, being loud, proud and unapologetic about your heritage.
Who/What inspires you most in life?
The underdogs. The people who fight for their dreams, refuse to give up, and keep pushing forward even in the face of immense adversity.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from the biggest obstacle you've overcome?
I was diagnosed with cancer at age 20, and I’m lucky enough to still be standing here - happy, healthy, and alive. At times of stress, or when I feel like there’s an insurmountable task ahead of me, I try to think back on how I overcame what was quite possibly one of life’s most difficult challenges. Most importantly, the experience reminds me to be grateful for every day, every hour, and even (and especially) every moment, because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
How do you find your flow and combat creative blocks?
A great song on repeat can help me focus when I’m writing. And when I feel stuck, I like to change my environment - whether that means going for a walk or moving my writing session to a local coffee shop. Sometimes, simply getting out of the house and being around other people is enough to shift my energy and get the ideas flowing again.
You just achieved the greatest career win of your life, who is your first phone call and why?
My wife. She is my best friend and my biggest supporter.
What's something about you that most people don't know?
Before becoming an actor and filmmaker, I wanted to be a lawyer. Then Matthew McConaughey’s performance as attorney Jake Brigance in A Time to Kill made me want to become an actor. Life has this beautiful way of coming full circle.
What advice would you give to your kindergarten self?
Love yourself. Don’t put so much importance on the opinions of others. And know that with hard work and discipline, you will achieve goals beyond your wildest dreams.
What are your goals for the Latino community and how will you and your work help move the needle forward?
In 2026, less than 5% of writing, directing and acting jobs went to Latino/Hispanic artists. My goal with my personal work, and through the work and support of LIFE, is that our community continues to grow, get to tell their stories, and that these numbers continue to rise. Together, I know it's possible.