Yo Soy Boricua

Rosie Perez and Jimmy Smits have been all over the airwaves today, visiting "The View" and "Talk of the Nation," to talk up Perez's directorial debut, "Yo Soy Boricua, Pa'que Tu Lo Sepas!" (I'm Boricua, Just So You Know).

The documentary, narrated by Smits, takes a look at Perez's Puerto Rican family and the history of the U.S. commonwealth. But it also brings to light issues that most Americans know little of -- such as the history between Puerto Rico and the U.S., forced sterilization and birth control testing, the issue of statehood vs. independence from the U.S. and more.

I listened to "Talk of the Nation" today and was surprised to hear the depth of topics that are explored in this film. Perez and Smits debated the issue of statehood, talk about World War 2 and how the Puerto Ricans were segregated into the "black" or "white" armies, and discuss the issues of racism even within the Puerto Rican population. Perez is adorable, as always, and Smits played off her enthusiasm well.

The show airs tonight on IFC at 9 p.m. EST, with 2 repeats tomorrow and again on June 27.