A new Netflix documentary, built around intimate home video footage captured by her sister, Suzette Quintanilla, offers a deeply personal portrait of Selena y Los Dinos and the late Tejano music icon, Selena Quintanilla Perez. The film arrives as renewed interest in Selena’s life and music surges, fueled in part by artificial intelligence recreations of the singer.The documentary aims to present an authentic account of Selena’s life,countering the potential for misinformation and offering a definitive record for a new generation of fans discovering her music. As AI technology increasingly allows for the digital resurrection of artists, Suzette Quintanilla emphasizes the irreplaceable quality of the “real Selena,” and the importance of experiencing her story through genuine sources.
“It’s basically taking this time capsule and bringing it to 2025,” Suzette Quintanilla said, acknowledging the growing curiosity among younger fans. “I do understand the significance of the younger fan base that’s searching selena and wanting to know more about her…And throughout the years, things have been blurred.”
The film’s core lies in candid footage filmed by Suzette, providing a rare glimpse into Selena’s life beyond the stage. This personal archive distinguishes the documentary from other tributes, offering a direct connection to the artist herself.
“Honestly, I do see the AI stuff,” Quintanilla continued. ”Some of the stuff is just incredible, but the beauty of what she brings as a person and as an artist, AI can never replicate that. They can emulate her physical look, but there ain’t nothing better than the real thing.”
The documentary serves as a vital preservation of Selena’s legacy, ensuring her story is told – and retold – with accuracy and authenticity, in keeping with Mexican tradition. It provides a crucial counterpoint to AI-generated content, offering viewers a direct connection to the artist as she was.
