‘Selena y Los Dinos’ Director Isabel Castros chats with Vulture
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PARK CITY, Utah — The highly anticipated documentary Selena Y Los Dinos premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 26, offering a fresh perspective on the life of Tejano music legend Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Directed by Isabel Castro, the documentary takes a deep dive into Selena’s personal and professional life, focusing on her family’s crucial role in her success and the powerful influence of Mexican-American culture. In an interview with Vulture, Castro shared her vision for the film and the insights she gained throughout the process.
“The whole family was involved in making their music,” Castro explained. “I think I learned and really found out the extent of that. It was like an extraordinary team effort. Everything from the brother being a songwriter to the father being a manager, the sister was a drummer. The music they created together was something they all did together, and I wanted to show that.”
The documentary shines a spotlight not only on Selena’s rise to stardom but also on the cultural significance she continues to represent. Castro emphasized the importance of Selena’s legacy, especially within the context of Mexican-American identity. “Selena is as important to me as she is because to me, she always represented Mexican-American identity and culture,” she shared. “And it’s a real reminder of the beauty, significance, and influence of our culture. I hope that when people see this film, they’ll fall in love with Selena and Tejano culture because it’s something that should be celebrated and not vilified.”
Through never-before-seen footage from the Quintanilla family’s personal archives, Selena Y Los Dinos offers a closer look at Selena’s journey, from her early performances to her rise as a global superstar. Castro reflected on her personal growth during the filmmaking process: “Before making this film, I didn’t know Selena as a whole human being— as a sister, as a wife, as a daughter, as a friend. I think I got a deeper sense of who she was, her dreams and her ambitions.”
The documentary strives to tell Selena’s story through her own voice, capturing intimate moments that convey her warmth and authenticity. Castro hopes that the film will give viewers a chance to understand not just Selena’s iconic persona but also the person behind it. “The film really aims to tell as much of the story through her voice,” Castro explained. “And in doing so, I think you get to know her better.”
The film’s premiere at Sundance marks an emotional milestone for fans of Selena, offering a chance to experience her legacy through the lens of those who knew her best. Featuring heartfelt interviews with those closest to Selena, the documentary paints a vivid portrait of her charisma, humility, and the tight-knit family bond that defined her life and career.
Selena Y Los Dinos transports viewers back to the 1990s with nostalgic home videos, providing a personal and heartfelt glimpse into the life of a cultural icon. Through Castro’s direction, the documentary promises to deepen the connection between Selena and her fans while celebrating her lasting impact on music and culture.
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