Movies

Gregory Nava on how his 1997 film ‘Selena’ has stood the test of time

BBG News

Over the past three decades since Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s tragic passing, her captivating story has been retold in numerous ways, spanning from podcasts to limited TV series and even children’s books. However, it is the 1997 biopic, “Selena,” that continues to resonate deeply within our culture, as a devoted cinephile I can attest to its lasting impact.

I’ve always found myself captivated by movies that resonate deeply, such as “Selena.” Phrases like “Anything for Selenas” echo powerfully within me, while scenes portraying her family’s complex journey with their Mexican-American identity feel strikingly relatable. Over the years, this film has not only stood the test of time but also remains one of the rare cinematic interpretations of Selena that earned the approval of her own family.

Shortly following Selena’s tragic death, her family approached the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Gregory Nava, known for his portrayal of immigrant experiences in films like “El Norte” (1983) and “Mi Familia” (1995). The latter movie centered around a Mexican American family in Los Angeles, boasting a completely Latino cast consisting of Edward James Olmos, Constance Marie, Jacob Vargas, and an up-and-coming Jennifer Lopez.

According to Nava, Selena’s family believed passionately that it was crucial for the filmmaker to be Latino, as they felt this individual would have a deep understanding of the culture, her values, and the environment she originated from.

Using funding and distribution from Warner Bros., Nava wrote and directed the movie in Texas. He spoke to the singer’s family members and close friends, who by the young age of 23, had mesmerized audiences worldwide with their powerful voice and enchanting stage charisma.

Nava remarks, “She was an incredibly radiant presence.” He adds, “Her departure was deeply sad, yet I believe her essence remains among us.

Selena” made over $35 million when it was first released, and J.Lo’s portrayal of the ‘Como la Flor’ singer earned her a Best Actress nomination at the 55th Golden Globe Awards. Recently, De Los spoke to Nava about the lasting impact of his film, three decades after Selena’s death.

The following has been edited and shortened for clarity.

Recount for me the initial moments when you were contacted about helming the “Selena” movie.
Following the success of my film, “Mi Familia,” which came out post-Selena’s death, it seems A.B. Quintanilla and his family watched it and felt I was the right fit for their Selena project. I then struck a deal with Moctesuma Esparza, and they subsequently invited me to pen and direct the movie.

Many individuals cautioned against my decision, expressing their concerns as follows: “Given your reputation as a serious filmmaker, this project seems light-hearted and trendy. It appears to be a television production rather than a feature film, which might not be beneficial for your career progression.

However, her tale deeply resonated with me. At that moment, I was residing in L.A.’s Venice, reflecting on the potential film project, when I stumbled upon two young Latinas adorned in Selena T-shirts. Intrigued, I inquired, “What is it about Selena that you admire so much?” To which they responded, “She reflects our image.

It struck me that our younger generation of women within our community are not represented adequately in the media. Seeing themselves on-screen is incredibly meaningful to them. This sparked an idea in me: “I’m going to create a movie specifically aimed at these young girls.

Have there been instances where you clashed with Selena’s family, particularly her father Abraham, who was quite protective of her?

In my recent chat with Chris Perez, he posed an intriguing question: “Shall I share the truth as it unfolded, or should I divulge only what Abraham desires you to understand?” This movie promises a captivating exploration of reality versus perception.

In response to your question about Abraham’s wishes, I shared that I’m more concerned with finding out what took place. Chris then clarified that the plan to elope wasn’t his idea; instead, it was Selena who suggested it.

Now that’s the scene that you see in the movie.

When Abraham first saw the script, he became intensely angry since until then, he believed it was Chris who suggested eloping, and he thought Chris had tarnished his precious daughter’s innocence. Consequently, he summoned me to his office, closed the door, and we engaged in a prolonged discussion that spanned several hours. Our conversation primarily revolved around this particular part of the script, focusing on how it portrayed their relationship.

He stated, “Greg, it’s not appropriate for you to display that it’s correct for a young girl to defy her father.

Aren’t heedful points that she’s acting on what she believes is correct, and she does so because she genuinely loves Chris and feels the same from him? Take a look at these heartfelt love letters she sent him.

What was the content of the love letters?

She deeply loved him. She understood that their union could only occur if she defied her father, yet in a way, it would bring healing to the entire family. Isn’t it inevitable that a young woman seeking independence will face struggles?

So I said [to Abraham], “Isn’t it more important for our young women to find their own selves?”

He ultimately realized that sacrificing his own image for Selena’s benefit was the appropriate course of action, and after lengthy, passionate debates, he decided to proceed with this selfless act.

As a devoted fan of Selena, I can confirm that filming her biopic came with its unique set of challenges. The tragic circumstances surrounding her untimely death made it difficult to navigate the public’s reaction. With disturbing images of her final moments circulating online, there was an overwhelming need for sensitivity and respect for both Selena and her family. To ensure that Selena’s legacy endured in a positive light, we felt compelled to expedite the filmmaking process and bring her inspiring story to life as swiftly as possible.

I presented my movie concept to multiple production companies. It’s important to acknowledge Bill Gerber, who served as president of Warner Bros. during that period and had a strong musical history. He played a crucial role in helping us bring this project to life.

The production team opted to premiere the movie exactly two years after her death. Quite swiftly, they gave the go-ahead for the movie without even having a script. This was an incredibly daring and courageous move by the studio. Normally, it takes anywhere from eight months to a year to complete post-production and sound mixing; however, between the last day of filming until the movie’s premiere in theaters, I had only twelve weeks. At that time, the film was still released on physical reels, and they needed to produce 2,000 prints. For those twelve weeks, we worked tirelessly to ensure the film made it to theaters as soon as possible. It was an enormous undertaking.

How did the audience respond? When we screened the film, it received a remarkable score of 97, which we had never seen before for a preview. Both Latino and non-Latino viewers adored it, as the actors truly embodied their characters. From the get-go, it was warmly accepted because it offered healing, something many people were seeking at that time.

What impact do you believe the film had on shaping the public perception of Selena following her demise? Abraham’s swift decision-making was crucial in this aspect. The movie served as a unifying force, preserving Selena’s positive legacy. It effectively countered any lingering negativity by portraying her accurately and emotionally resonantly. Jennifer Lopez played a pivotal role in bringing Selena to life on screen. An actor with the right touch was essential for this task, and Lopez proved herself more than capable – she lived with the family, meticulously studied Selena’s performances, and poured her heart and soul into the character.

How do you feel about the numerous unauthorized documentaries about Selena that have been produced? Fortunately, the impact and prestige of the film has eclipsed these sensationalized portrayals. I had a chat with Chris Perez not too long ago, and he said, “The movie, it’s like the Bible.

It mattered significantly to shoot the film in Texas because that’s where the narrative unfolds. Selena and Texas are intrinsically linked; capturing the essence of Texas was crucial for portraying Selena authentically. I believed that we could gain the support of the Tejano community by producing the movie on location there.

As a film enthusiast, I had this grand vision to kick off the story with an epic scene, but we were low on funds and couldn’t afford extras. Instead, we decided to capture the [Houston Astrodome scene] at the Alamodome in San Antonio. We ran an ad in the local newspaper: “Dress up as you would for a Selena concert.” Frankly, I wasn’t sure if anyone would respond, but 35,000 people did! On the day of shooting, it was a sea of enthusiastic fans. When you watch the opening scene of the movie, rest assured that every single person you see is real – no CGI magic was used here.

Of all the scenes in “Selena,” which one do you particularly cherish? For me, it’s the heartfelt moments that resonate deeply and stir emotions. One such moment is when Selena discusses eloping with Chris, a scene I find quite memorable. Additionally, the movie’s humorous aspects, like the scenes where the children refuse to practice or when the sisters are dreaming on the rooftop under the moonlight, stand out to me as well.

❓ Have you checked out the latest documentary on Selena titled “Selena y Los Dinos”? I found it truly captivating. It offers a unique glimpse into the real Selena through home videos, where she interacts with Chris, her family, and more. She radiates such intelligence and charm in every scene.

How would you describe the ongoing influence of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s journey on future generations?

Selena is a shining example of someone who triumphantly overcame one hurdle after another, all while radiating joy and enthusiasm. This young woman ascended to become the biggest star in the Tejano music scene, a position she still holds today. However, many are unaware of the magnitude of her accomplishment, given the male-dominated nature of the industry during her time. Moreover, Selena made history by breaking into the American pop music mainstream with hits like “Dreaming of You” and “I Could Fall in Love,” which were sung in English.

She triumphed over various challenges, ultimately claiming the top spot as a Mexican-American in Mexico. Recently, I was at a film festival down there, and Selena-themed events are common at these gatherings where people dance to her music. Her tunes remain popular because they’re timeless, and thirty years from now, they’ll still be played. Her light is shining brighter than ever now.

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2025-03-30 15:31

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