(L-R) Suzette Quintanilla, Isabel Castro, and Chris Pérez attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival “Selena y Los Dinos” premiere at Library Center Theatre. (Photo by Michael Hurcomb/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival)
By Jessica Herndon
Selena Quintanilla’s story is one of passion, resilience, and cultural pride — a story that continues to captivate audiences decades after her tragic passing. Premiering in the U.S. Documentary Competition at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 26, Selena y Los Dinos offers a deeply personal and vibrant portrait of the beloved Tejano music icon. The film, directed by Isabel Castro, whose previous Mija premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, draws from the Quintanilla family’s private archive, presenting never-before-seen footage that highlights Selena’s rise and the unwavering support of her family.
“It’s been 30 years, so it was hard,” Selena’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla, says during the post-premiere Q&A, regarding letting the world see their family’s private footage, most of which she shot. “There are some things that you just want to hold onto and not share with everybody — it’s personal.” But she trusted Castro. “I am honored by the fact that she was able to tell this beautiful story through the footage of our life.”
The documentary traces the origins of Selena y Los Dinos, the family band that began performing at small venues in South Texas, including their own restaurant, only to lose it during an economic downturn. Relocating to Corpus Christi, the Quintanillas embarked on a relentless journey, touring in their signature bus, Bertha, and facing the challenge of connecting with Mexican audiences despite the language barrier. But Selena and her siblings, who were born and raised in Texas, committed to learning Spanish in their teenage years, embracing their heritage while proudly asserting their Mexican American identity.
Suzette says she loves that there is so much footage of her sister opening up about this struggle in the film. She adds that it was important to include these moments “because of the time that we’re living in now. It’s also important to let everyone know that it’s okay that you don’t know how to speak correct Spanish because we are both [Mexican and American] — and it’s okay.”
At the heart of the film is the Quintanilla family — father Abraham, mother Marcella, brother A.B., sister Suzette, and Selena’s husband, Chris Pérez — who provide candid insights into the hard work behind Selena’s success. Abraham’s determination to push his children to excel is palpable, but so is the undeniable raw talent that Selena possessed. With no formal vocal training, she had an innate ability to win over audiences with her charisma, charm, and powerful voice. The documentary highlights how she shattered barriers for women in Tejano music and created a sound uniquely her own.
Around four and a half years ago, Suzette decided she wanted to do a doc on her sister and their family. “I wanted to leave a nugget of love for the future generation that’s coming up,” she says. “We realize now that we are 30 years without Selena, but her legacy is stronger than ever and there is a whole new generation that’s embracing Selena and our music.” When Suzette met Castro for the first time, she knew she would be the right filmmaker for the job because she “understood what Selena meant,” says Suzette of Castro’s grasp of her sister’s legacy. The Mexican American filmmaker also understood the Mexican American experience. “I didn’t have to explain anything to her,” adds Suzette.
“[Selena] was the first Mexican American woman I saw onscreen and she’s been with me ever since,” Castro says, choking up a bit. “Her voice has played at every major life event [for me], every celebration, and every time I hear her voice, I’m reminded of the beauty and importance of our culture.”
Selena y Los Dinos also delves into Selena’s passion for fashion, showcasing her early designs and the costumes that set the stage for her signature style. It chronicles major career milestones, such as signing with EMI Latin, and her ambitious goal of releasing an English-language album with SBK Records. Tragically, Selena’s life was cut short just as she was on the verge of mainstream stardom, but her influence endures. The film, which includes the original music of Selena y Los Dinos and Selena’s solo work, beautifully captures how she continues to inspire generations of Latine women, giving them a sense of representation.
Ultimately, Selena y Los Dinos is a loving tribute that underscores an enduring truth: keeping Selena’s music alive is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. “Keep pushing the legacy forward — and her music,” says Pérez, following the film. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
