Documentary ‘Selena y Los Dinos’ Reveals Intimate Portrait from Family Archive

The Quintanilla family is ready to share never-before-seen archival footage about music legend Selena. They reached out to director Mariachi Castro following the release of her 2022 film “Mija.” The family felt that Castro was the right choice to narrate Selena’s story.

According to Suzette Quintanilla, there was an instant connection between her and Castro as both share the experience of being older sisters. “She was a fan,” said Suzette. “She completely understood the struggle of being Mexican-American while embracing both cultures.”

Archival Footage and Personal Insights

Years of work went into refining the archival material, which included a vast collection of DVDs, VHS tapes, and unedited film reels. Castro and her team sifted through multiple copies to identify the best quality footage.

As Suzette described the process, they referred to their collection as “the vault.” This compilation showcased not just Selena the icon, but also Selena the sister, daughter, and person, revealing a more intimate portrayal of her life.

• Personal Moments: One of the most touching scenes captured Suzette filming her sister with a camcorder.
• Sentimental Items: The documentary features a handwritten letter that Selena gave to her husband, Chris Pérez.
• Tour Life Insights: The footage also showcases the family’s first tour bus, affectionately named Big Bertha.

An Emotional Reflection from Family

Marcella Quintanilla, Selena’s mother, had not spoken publicly about her daughter since Selena’s passing. For this documentary, Marcella opened up, sharing her reflections and looking back at family albums for the first time.

“I love my mom in this documentary,” Suzette shared proudly. Castro emphasized Selena’s significance as a representation of what it means to be Latina in America. “Watching the home videos reminded me she was just a young woman who passed away at 23,” Castro stated.

“Selena y Los Dinos” encapsulates the essence of a family’s legacy while shedding light on the cultural impact of Selena’s life. The documentary promises to resonate with fans and newcomers alike, offering a heartfelt look into the beloved artist’s world.