Selena Quintanilla is undeniably one of the most prominent and influential Latina singers of all time. Her songs have captivated millions of people, Despite her tragic passing in 1995, the singer’s memory has lived on and continues to be celebrated to this day. Over the years, Selena has sold over 18 million records and remains one of the best selling acts in Latin music. Not only has her music soundtracked the lives of millions, but Selena continues to serve as a role model and inspiration for many, especially the Latinx community
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the movie “Selena”. The movie, which stars Jennifer Lopez as Selena, was released in 1997 to critical acclaim and instantly became the defining portrayal of the Tejano singer’s life. The film follows Selena’s life starting with her childhood in Texas and her passion for singing, then her subsequent rise to fame, her love story with guitarist Chris Perez, and ultimately her tragic death
To this day, the film continues to introduce Selena to new fans and those looking to learn more about her life and career. Over the years, the movie has gained an iconic status as a groundbreaking piece of Latinx cinema and the defining portrayal of Selena, who changed Latin music forever, and whose life was taken too soon. Just last year, the film was inducted into the National film Registry of the Library of Congress for being culturally significant and highlighting Latinx contributions to film.
Selena’s story continues to be told by many: just last year, Netflix released “Selena: The Series”, a biographical television series which dove even deeper into the singer’s life. Raymond Arturo Perez, a staff-writer for the show, shared about Selena’s status within the Latinx community, specifically in Texas where the singer was born.
RAYMOND ARTURO PEREZ: Growing up in Texas, it’s just like such a unique atmosphere where you breathe Selena. Whether you’re white, black, Latinx, whatever your ethnic background, if you grew up in Texas: Selena is just in the air.
Perez also believes that the movie is so revered because of its relevance to the Latinx community. He thinks that people who watch the movie can identify with Selena and her life, specifically Latinx audiences.
PEREZ: I think the Latinx community, like many others, really has this deep belief in the American dream and about if you work hard enough that you can rise above. And so I think watching something like Selena is such a, you know, also tragic, but such a beautiful story in that it says to a lot of folks like me, that success is possible and that the American dream is achievable.
Selena the movie has been recognized for having strong Latinx representation. Since the movie’s release, Latinx representation in Hollywood has improved, but Perez believes that there is still a long way to go. In many movies, stories centered around Latinx people typically involve issues like gentrification, immigration, and drug trafficking, but Perez believes Latinx-focused films should center around other subjects.
PEREZ: Stories of love, romance, sci-fi and joy like those are also worth noting, and I don’t think we get the opportunity to play in those spaces as much as we hope. And so, I think as the studio network exec pool starts to diversify and or executives in power recognize that those stories matter as well. I think I’m excited to see those changes happen.
As “Selena” celebrates its 25th anniversary, new audiences will have a chance to be touched by the life of the legendary singer and experience Latinx music and a story of love and family.