Mi Vida Loca (also known as My Crazy Life) is an American drama film directed and written by Allison Anders. It centers on the plight of young Mexicanas and Chicanas (and their male counterparts) growing up in the Echo Park section of Los Angeles, who face the struggles of friendship, romantic entanglements, and motherhood in a neighborhood ravaged by gang violence. Based on a true story. At the time of filming, most of the cast was made up of unknown actors, some of whom were actual gang members from Echo Park. It also includes the first film appearances from Salma Hayek, Danny Trejo and Jason Lee, in small roles.