A highly anticipated documentary titled “Selena y Los Dinos” is set to debut on November 17, 2023, on Netflix. The film aims to present the life story of the iconic Tejano music star, Selena Quintanilla, using previously unseen footage from her family’s archives. Directed by Isabel Castro, the documentary has garnered attention after screening at several prestigious film festivals earlier this year.
The journey to bring this documentary to life began when Castro meticulously reviewed hundreds of hours of home videos from the Quintanilla family collection. A.B. Quintanilla and Suzette Quintanilla, Selena’s siblings, serve as executive producers, ensuring a personal and intimate portrayal of the beloved artist.
Unveiling New Insights
In an interview with KENS 5, Castro expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “They handed us the key to a closet that has all of their concerts; it has all of their home videos. When I saw the archive, it was like discovering a treasure trove.” The documentary promises a unique perspective, showcasing Selena’s early performances and personal moments that contributed to her legacy in music.
The film not only highlights Selena’s musical journey but also offers a deeper look into her character. Castro, who transitioned from journalism to filmmaking, reflected on her experience, saying, “I spent a lot of time with Selena, and she was just an extraordinary person. She was so charismatic and humble—all the things that she’s been made out to be.”
Selena, who rose to fame with hits like “Amor Prohibido” and “Como La Flor,” achieved significant recognition in her brief career, including a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album in 1993. Tragically, she was murdered in 1995 at the age of 23. Castro’s documentary aims to reconnect audiences with the essence of the artist through intimate home footage.
A Successful Festival Circuit
Before its Netflix release, “Selena y Los Dinos” completed a successful festival run. The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where it received the Special Jury Award for Archival Storytelling. Following its debut, the film screened at various festivals, including SXSW in Austin and the AFI Fest in Los Angeles, winning additional audience awards along the way.
The film’s premiere in San Antonio at CineFestival in July was particularly significant, as it celebrated Selena’s roots in the city. Castro remarked, “This screening is particularly meaningful. I’ve been looking forward to this the entire time… I always thought about that experience of bringing it home.”
As fans eagerly await the documentary’s release, a full trailer is expected to launch in the coming weeks, offering a glimpse into the emotional journey that lies ahead. While it remains unclear if Netflix will offer a theatrical release prior to the streaming debut, the anticipation continues to build for this in-depth look at one of music’s most cherished figures.
