As an expert in Latino folklore and religious studies, Dr. Ysamur Flores-Peña has a lot of insight and opinion when it comes to all things paranormal. He takes his expertise to the entertainment industry and works with Hollywood studio Paramount Insurge for the release of “The Devil Inside,” a horror film that follows a woman who travels to Italy to find out if her mother killed three people because she was possessed by the Devil.

During an interview with EXTRA, Flores-Peña, who also worked with Universal Pictures in 2010 for the release of their film “Devil,” talked about how culture dictates religious beliefs.

“The Devil Inside” is currently playing at theaters.

EXTRA: What fascinates you about movies like “The Devil Inside?”

Ysamur Flores-Peña: What fascinates me the most is that these topics are becoming more and more relevant. People are fascinated by the supernatural and fascinated about issues with the Devil. It’s fascinating to see how many points of view can immerge from these movies.

Do you believe in the Devil?

No, I don’t. I think the topic of the Devil itself is a cultural issue. Each culture determines its own origin of evil and all the problems that face humanity. However, the movie “The Devil Inside” postulates from a Christian point of view. In the Christian point of view, the Devil is a reality. I do believe evil exists and that there are bad people that do bad things, but I don’t believe there is an entity. I don’t believe there is a god of evil.

Does that affect the way you present lectures and speak about issues on religion?

Your religion is a very personal thing. Just because I don’t believe in the Devil as an entity doesn’t mean I can’t ...