Courtesy of SXSW

AUSTIN, TX — The Selena Y Los Dinos documentary has captured the hearts of audiences, winning the prestigious Audience Award in the 24 Beats Per Second category at the 32nd annual SXSW Film & TV Festival held this month in Austin, Texas. The Texas premiere of the highly anticipated film about the “Queen of Cumbia” was met with overwhelming praise, highlighting the profound influence of Selena Quintanilla-Perez and her enduring legacy.

Directed by Isabel Castro and executive produced by Selena’s siblings, Suzette Quintanilla and A.B. Quintanilla III, Selena Y Los Dinos offers fans an intimate glimpse into the life of Selena. The film weaves together never-before-seen archival footage, personal photographs, and emotional interviews to tell the story of Selena’s rise from a young girl in Corpus Christi to an international icon whose music continues to inspire generations.

Told through the eyes of her devoted family and bandmates, the documentary not only celebrates Selena’s remarkable talent but also highlights the strength and resilience of her family in preserving her memory. The film paints a vivid portrait of Selena’s journey with Los Dinos, the family band that propelled her to fame, and the profound love and dedication that continue to keep her legacy alive.

The SXSW Audience Award win follows the documentary’s earlier success at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Archival Storytelling. Suzette Quintanilla expressed her excitement over the SXSW honor, posting on Instagram, “Thank you for everyone who voted! Can’t wait for everyone to see this on a major platform! Promise we will announce where soon.”

Reports suggest that streaming giants like Netflix are vying for the rights to the film, with offers reportedly ranging between $6 million and $7 million.

The 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival featured an impressive lineup of 114 features, including 93 world premieres, 11 Texas premieres, and a diverse mix of short films, music videos, and TV projects. Claudette Godfrey, SXSW’s VP of Film & TV, praised the festival’s impact, stating, “We assembled another stellar program that puts independently made narratives, documentaries, TV series, and XR experiences on the same stage as studio films and TV shows. The magic of shared viewing experiences and a sense of community continued to define our festival, and we’re excited for all of this year’s projects to reach even wider audiences beyond SXSW!”

Selena Y Los Dinos stands as a powerful tribute to Selena’s music, legacy, and the deep bond of family that shaped her rise to fame. The film’s success at SXSW is a testament to the timeless connection Selena continues to share with fans worldwide.

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Celina Martinez