A highly anticipated documentary titled “Selena y Los Dinos” will debut on Netflix on November 17, 2023. The film promises to provide an intimate look at the life and career of the late Tejano music star, Selena Quintanilla, through previously unseen footage. Directed by Isabel Castro, the documentary was acquired by Netflix in May after a successful run at multiple film festivals earlier this year.
A Deep Dive into Selena’s Legacy
Castro delved into hundreds of hours of home videos from the Quintanilla family archives to compile the documentary. The director expressed her excitement about the treasure trove of footage, stating, “They handed us the key to a closet that has all of their concerts, it has all of their home videos.” This extensive archive provides a unique opportunity to explore Selena’s early days and rise to fame before her tragic death at the age of 23.
While reflecting on the creative process, Castro noted the significance of prioritizing Selena’s voice and personal moments. “We prioritized hearing Selena’s voice. We prioritized seeing home video of Selena,” she explained. “You get an intimacy in watching the footage that feels really unique and different from watching the (1997) film.” This approach aims to present a more genuine portrayal of the artist, capturing her charisma and humility.
Selena’s journey began in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she and her family band made significant strides in Latino music, bridging the gap with English-language audiences. Known for hits such as “Amor Prohibido” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom”, she received the Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album in 1993 before her untimely death in 1995.
Festival Success and Future Prospects
The documentary, which runs for 105 minutes, gained recognition on the festival circuit, premiering at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in January, where it won a Special Jury Award for Archival Storytelling. Following its Sundance success, it screened at several other festivals, including SXSW, Miami, Sydney, and AFI Fest, picking up additional audience awards along the way.
In July, the film had its San Antonio premiere at CineFestival, where the Quintanilla family attended to celebrate. Castro expressed her anticipation for this screening, stating, “I’ve been looking forward to this the entire time, even as I was making it. I always thought about that experience of bringing it home.”
While a full trailer for “Selena y Los Dinos” is expected to be released shortly, it remains uncertain whether Netflix will hold a theatrical release prior to the streaming debut. The excitement surrounding this documentary highlights Selena’s enduring legacy and the impact she has had on music and culture.
