Down for Life is a 2009 American dramatic film directed by Alan Jacobs based on the true story of a 15-year-old Latina gang leader in Watts, Los Angeles.

Made in cinéma vérité style, the film stars many local teens, with veteran actors such as Danny Glover, Laz Alonso, Kate del Castillo, and Snoop Dogg in supporting roles.

[1] The film spans one day in the life of Anjelica Soto, aka "Rascal", a 15-year-old Latino gang leader in Watts, as she struggles to survive.

While Lesly was in the process of repeating the 9th grade, she was required to attend summer school to make up the missing credits and was offered a mercy "D" if she would describe a day in her life.

"[4] Jessica Romero, Andrea Valenzuela, Isamar Guijarro, Sheila Ochoa, and Ilene Trujillo were discovered at local area high schools.

Distributors should look no further than a 2009 Toronto Fest entry Down for Life… [The cast] is mostly comprised of L.A.-based non-actors led by Jessica Romero who could become next award season's Gabourey Sidibe.

"[8] Reed Johnson, also of The Los Angeles Times says, "The emotional chemistry among...novice performers, in concert with a few seasoned pros such as Danny Glover, Kate del Castillo and Snoop Dogg in secondary roles, is one of the things that makes Down for Life feel more authentic and credible than many of the countless other movies...brings street cred to two of the movie's thorniest topics: urban girl gang bangers, and tensions between L.A. Latinos and African Americans.

"[4] Carlos Morales of The Voice, says, "This film breathes life and resurrects what is happening on the streets of not only South Central but in all major suburbs across this country.

CA describes the film as "a brutal and uncompromising look at an environment characterized by poverty and desperation...The script does well capturing the contrast between the shockingly commonplace physical and sexual violence of gang life and the moments of light-hearted girlhood...Lead actress Jessica Romero is a fresh and vivid presence in her film debut as Rascal.

"[11] In 2021, the US Congressional Hispanic Caucus nominated Down for Life to be included in the National Film Registry as one of 25 "important examples of Latino artistic and cinematic achievement.