A highly anticipated documentary about the life of iconic Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla will debut on Netflix on November 17, 2023. Titled “Selena y Los Dinos,” the film promises to provide an intimate portrayal of the artist’s journey through previously unseen footage, offering a fresh perspective on her music career and personal life. The documentary is directed by Isabel Castro, with A.B. Quintanilla and Suzette Quintanilla serving as executive producers.
The film was acquired by Netflix in May following its successful festival run, which included screenings at prestigious events such as the Sundance Film Festival and SXSW Film Festival. During its festival journey, it garnered critical acclaim, winning the Special Jury Award for Archival Storytelling and several audience awards.
Exploring Selena’s Legacy
Castro, a lifelong fan of Selena, embarked on a meticulous journey through hundreds of hours of home videos from the Quintanilla family archives. She described the experience as akin to discovering a “treasure trove.” The director emphasized the importance of showcasing Selena’s voice and personal moments in the documentary.
“They handed us the key to a closet that has all of their concerts, it has all of their home videos,” Castro told KENS 5 in July. “You get an intimacy in watching the footage that feels really unique and different from watching the 1997 film.” The focus on authenticity aims to reveal the true essence of Selena, highlighting her charisma and humility, qualities that have endeared her to fans worldwide.
The film chronicles Selena’s rise from her early days in Corpus Christi to becoming a trailblazer in the music industry. Known for chart-topping hits like “Amor Prohibido,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” and “Como La Flor,” she won a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album in 1993, only to be tragically murdered a year later at the age of 23.
Anticipation Builds for Premiere
While a full trailer for “Selena y Los Dinos” has yet to be released, fans are eagerly awaiting additional promotional material in the coming weeks. It remains unclear whether Netflix plans to release the documentary in theaters prior to its streaming debut.
Castro expressed her enthusiasm for sharing Selena’s story with a broader audience, particularly in her hometown of San Antonio, where the film premiered at CineFestival in July. “This screening is particularly meaningful,” she noted. “I’ve been looking forward to this the entire time, even as I was making it.”
As the release date approaches, excitement continues to grow among Selena’s fans and the general public. The documentary promises to shed new light on the life of a beloved artist whose influence endures, captivating new generations.
