Watching Selena y Los Dinos, directed by Isabel Castro, at SXSW 2025 was a memorable experience. The documentary offers an intimate and thoughtful look into Selena Quintanilla’s life and legacy. With never-before-seen archival footage, personal photographs, and candid interviews, the film traces her evolution from performing at local events in Corpus Christi to becoming the iconic “Queen of Tejano Music.” It also quietly captures the emotional depth of a family who continues to feel the weight of her loss.
One of the things I appreciated most was the film’s access to Selena’s family, especially her sister Suzette, who contributed home movies that add a raw, personal layer to the story. These moments give insight into Selena not just as an artist but as a person—someone figuring out how to balance fame with her roots and identity. Commentary from her parents, brother, fiancé, and other close figures makes the portrait feel complete and grounded.
The documentary also resonated with others—it won the “24 Beats Per Second” Audience Award at the festival and was later featured as a Buzz Screening. Personally, I found the film effective in showing the human side of someone often seen as larger than life. It highlights her authenticity and the meaningful relationships she had with those around her.
Isabel Castro’s direction keeps the focus on storytelling, with a clear respect for Selena’s legacy. By weaving together personal narratives and rare footage, the film gives both longtime fans and new viewers a deeper understanding of who Selena was. It’s a respectful and compelling tribute that shows why her influence continues to endure