The legacy of Selena Quintanilla, the incomparable Queen of Tex-Mex, is still alive and vibrant three decades after her tragic departure.
In 2025, the Quintanilla family and the original members of Los Dinos have reunited for the presentation of the documentary entitled Selena y Los Dinos, directed by Isabel Castro.
The documentary
This project offers an intimate and in-depth look at the life of the iconic singer and her influence on Tejano music and Latino culture in the United States.
The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025, where it was awarded the Special Jury Prize for Archival Narrative in the U.S. Documentary category.
This recognition highlights the wealth of unpublished material provided by the Quintanilla family.
The documentary includes never-before-seen home videos and photographs, offering a fresh and personal perspective on Selena’s life.
The project commemorating the singer’s legacy
Director Isabel Castro, known for her work on Mija (2022), embarked on this project with the goal of honoring Selena’s memory and highlighting her cultural impact.
Castro expressed his surprise and gratitude for the access granted to the family archive, stored at the Q-Productions offices in Corpus Christi, Texas.
This material allowed for an authentic and moving narrative of Selena’s career, from her early days to her rise as an international star.
The documentary also addresses personal aspects of Selena’s life, including her relationship with Chris Perez, her husband and guitarist for Los Dinos.
Selena’s personal wishes
In an emotional scene, Perez reads a letter Selena wrote to him before their wedding, reflecting the deep love they shared and the challenges they faced due to the initial disapproval of Selena’s father, Abraham Quintanilla.
This intimate moment highlights the humanity behind the public figure and the strength of their marital bond.
In addition, the documentary explores Selena’s personal desires, such as her longing to start a family.
Before her death in 1995, the singer expressed her desire to have children once she achieved her professional goals.
Her sister, Suzette Quintanilla, recalled conversations in which Selena imagined her children growing up alongside hers, adding a layer of depth to the understanding of her personal aspirations.
Selena's legacy highlights the legend she's despite her early death
Standing ovation for the documentary
The reception of the documentary has been overwhelmingly positive. During its presentation at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas, the film received a standing ovation.
In attendance were members of the Quintanilla family and former band mates, who participated in a question and answer session, sharing anecdotes and reflections on Selena’s legacy.
For the U.S. Hispanic community, “Selena y Los Dinos” represents more than a tribute; it is a celebration of Latino culture and a reminder of Selena’s lasting impact on music and cultural identity.
His story resonates especially with Mexican Americans, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of navigating two cultures and achieving success without losing the essence of his roots.
A story faithful to the singer’s life
The active participation of the Quintanilla family in the production of the documentary guarantees a faithful and respectful representation of Selena’s life.
Suzette and A.B. Quintanilla, the singer’s siblings, served as executive producers, ensuring that the narrative authentically reflected the essence of Selena and her legacy.
The documentary also highlights the importance of preserving and sharing cultural stories that strengthen community identity and pride.
Isabel Castro emphasized that the intention of the documentary is to celebrate Mexican American culture and counter negative narratives, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of this rich heritage.
For Selena fans and those interested in Tejano music, the documentary offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with the story of an artist who transcended borders and generations.
Although a general public release date has not yet been announced, it is expected that streaming platforms will acquire the distribution rights, which will allow a wider audience to access this cinematic testimony.
Historic reunion of Los Dinos and Los Quintanillas
Chris Perez, Selena’s widower, shared on his Instagram account the photo of the reunion of Los Dinos with the Quintanilla family, for the presentation of the documentary in Texas.
“Austin, Texas…we laughed, cried and shared incredible moments watching the Selena y Los Dinos documentary. I can’t describe in words how amazing the experience was. THANK YOU!!! Austin is crack!” wrote Perez alongside an image of the historic reunion.
The image shows members of the Quintanilla family and some members of the iconic band Los Dinos.
In the center of the photo, in a wheelchair, is Abraham Quintanilla, patriarch of the family and a key figure in Selena’s career.
All around them, they pose with smiles and elegant attire, reflecting the importance and solemnity of the event.
Among them, Chris Perez, Selena’s ex-husband and former guitarist of the band, who is dressed in black and wearing his trademark rocker style, stands out.
Selena y Los Dinos not only pays tribute to a legendary artist, but also serves as a bridge between generations, reminding us of the importance of celebrating and preserving our cultural roots.
Find out more at QueOnnda.com.
