"McFarland, USA" is one of the more successful portrayals of Latin Americans in mainstream Hollywood.

A lot of that success comes from the film's resistance to conforming to stereotypes about Latinos mainstream media has successfully propagated over the last few decades.

And nowhere is this resistance more present than in the crucial character of Senora Diaz. The matriarch of the Diaz family is the mother of three of the boys who are part of the historic team, but she serves as the film's cultural ambassador. It is through her that the viewer witnesses not only the struggles of Latin Americans, but also their dedication to responsibility and hard work. It is through her that Latin American women also get a prominent voice and remind the world that they are a vital part of the household's function and survival.

Portraying the role is actress Diana Maria Riva, whose 19-year career has seen her showcased in such films as "Short Term 12" and "What Women Want" and such TV series as "The Bridge," "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch," "Manhattan Love Story" and "The West Wing."

The Ohio native recently spoke to Latin Post about her experience working on "McFarland, USA" and what needs to happen in order for Latin American women to get more respectful treatment in the mainstream media.

Latinos Post: How did you get involved with the project?

Diana Maria Riva: It was a pretty normal process. I went into an audition. I did my best to bring the character to life. I presented my idea of what I wanted to do and it worked.

LP: What was the greatest challenge in taking on this role?

DMR: The greatest challenge was diving into the skin of someone who has lived a very different life from what me. I am a parent, I have children, I work hard to give them a good life and provide for them. And Senora Diaz and her husband ... their journey in coming to this country and trying to figure out how to shape their future, it is very different from what I experienced. Bringing that truth out of me in portraying the character was something that required some soul-searching for me.

Another challenge is that this woman exists and doing an authentic job of portraying her was very intimidating.

LP: What was the experience of working with Kevin Costner and Maria Bello on this film?

DMR: They are wonderful. They are warm, generous, hard working and very supportive. It was easy to engage with them because they are very giving and generous actors.

LP: Did you have a favorite scene in "McFarland, USA?"

DMR: I love the feel-good moment of success. When we see the result of the hard work and we are sitting there in the stands as a family and community, it is a glorious moments. It is one of the most glorious parts of the film.

One of the moments that touched me most is watching the boys rush into the ocean for the first time. It's wonderful to see them see the ocean for the first time despite living in California. It hits me every time.

LP: What kind of preparation did you have to do for this film?

DMR: As far as physical transformation, I really tried to create the physicality of a woman who gets up every morning and gets her family up at four in the morning. Goes to work in the fields and then comes back to prepare the meals for her entire family. It has to show on the body. She is a tough woman and my physical appearances certainly changed. I really worked to show the signs of that wear and tear.

LP: It was nice to see a Latin American woman portrayed as a strong person and practical problem solver. Do you think that the portrayal of Latin American women in mainstream media is improving? Are the opportunities growing?

DMR: I think in the last year we have seen some growth and I would like to see that continue. I would like to see more consistency in the mainstream. We are seeing more Latin women and families on television which is fantastic. But I always feel like there is room for improvement.

LP: What do you think needs to happen for it to reach a level of true respectability? Where Latin American women are no longer relegated to the background or stereotyped in mainstream portrayals?

DMR: I think we need more honesty in the portrayal of these characters in television and show. If you are going to tell a story about Latin Americans, then have it directed by a Latina? Why not? They know the stories best.

LP: What is coming up next for you in terms of projects?

DMR: I am really excited to say that I just signed on to a new series co-starring alongside Eva Longoria. It's called "Telenovela" and it's on NBC. It is a fun great project and I cannot wait. I am going to play her best friend and it is really good stuff.

LP: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actress?

DMR: I was 11 years old and my grandma took me to see "Annie" which was on tour in Ohio. And I saw all of these girls that were about my age, on stage and having a great time. I remembered arriving home with her after that play and saying, "I am going to be an actor." And she said, "Okay." And from that moment on, I got support from my parents and the only contingency was that I had to get an education. I had to be trained. I wasn't just allowed to pick up and move to California to become an actor. It was the best advice and support I could have gotten as a young person.