Sundance 2026: Nezza expands on her activism in ‘La Tierra del Valor’

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Nezza, a rising pop singer from L.A., has always been a DIY artist. From writing her own songs and creating her own dance routines to adding the final sparkle to her costumes with rhinestones, she does it all herself.

Last summer, she protested at Dodger Stadium while federal immigration agents were conducting raids in Los Angeles, sparking widespread demonstrations by concerned residents.

Cristina Costantini, an Emmy Award-winning director, helmed a new short documentary called “La Tierra del Valor” (The Home of the Brave), starring Nezza. The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival on Friday.

The film tells the inspiring story of how singer Nezza boldly performed a Spanish version of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” known as “El Pendón Estrellado.” This powerful act of defiance was preceded by the work of Peruvian American composer Clotilde Arias, who originally wrote the song in 1945. Nezza revived it and sang it before a Dodgers game on June 14th.

Nezza said that even though the Dodgers approved her song beforehand, a team employee asked her not to sing it in Spanish during the game.

Nezza, speaking after the film’s premiere in Park City, Utah, shared a key takeaway: doing what’s right often feels risky. However, she emphasized that it also feels deeply satisfying, and that feeling can motivate you for a long time.

Nezza, a 31-year-old Latina pop singer, grew up in the Bay Area with a Dominican mother and Colombian father, and she’s always been fiercely independent and self-reliant – qualities that are clear in a new documentary about her life. She and the documentary’s director recently spoke with The Times about a difficult period in 2025 and what’s next for her rising career.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Nezza, many viewers interpreted your rendition of the national anthem as a protest against the federal government’s growing hostility towards immigrants. Did you intend for it to be seen as an act of activism?

Honestly, I’m really inspired by Nezza. She says she understands why people are afraid to speak out – she used to be one of them! But she definitely isn’t anymore. She was actively involved in the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 and has always been very open about her beliefs online. For her, it all comes down to being true to yourself. And she feels like the past year has shown her that the Latino community is incredibly supportive, which has given her even more motivation to keep fighting for what she believes in. It’s amazing to see!

Cristina, you’ve become known for telling the stories of trailblazers – from astronaut Sally Ride to pop star Karol G and astrologer Walter Mercado. What was your initial reaction when you first learned about Nezza?

As a film lover, I was really moved by Nezza’s work. It feels like so many of us are grappling with what’s happening in the world and what we can even do about it. It’s frustrating to see institutions, even companies that talked a big game about diversity and inclusion not so long ago, letting us down. Nezza’s film genuinely gave me a sense of hope—a kind of blueprint, if you will—for how to navigate the coming months, weeks, and even days. I wanted to share that feeling with others.

It’s natural to feel afraid when you’re being brave, and it’s not just for heroes – it’s for everyday people like us. Think of the nurses caring for patients, or teachers looking out for their students. These are the people standing up against unfair power, and we all might find ourselves in that position someday. I hope when that time comes, I’ll have the courage to do what’s right.

Nezza, who are some revolutionary Latinas that you’ve looked up to over the years?

My mother is Dominican, so when I think of inspiring women, the Mirabal sisters immediately come to mind. They’re also called ‘La Mariposas,’ which I’ve always loved because my name means butterfly – I even have a butterfly tattoo! They played a crucial role in bringing down the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic. I also greatly admire Dolores Huerta, and I was lucky enough to meet her last year. She was a key figure in both the civil rights and labor movements.

The documentary includes video from that day at Dodger Stadium. Who captured that footage?

My boyfriend, Keean Johnson, is a fantastic actor, but he really loves making documentaries and directing films. He often films my everyday life, and this day was no exception. It turned out to be much more eventful than usual, but he had a feeling something big was going to happen and was prepared.

Costantini observes that the subject has a remarkable intuition. While others might stop recording when a conflict arises, he continued to film. We also see Nezza’s disappointment as she realizes she isn’t permitted to sing in the language she believed she could – the language of her family and community – and the internal struggle this creates for her. Johnson skillfully balanced being a supportive collaborator with making powerful filmmaking choices in that moment.

Nezza, you’ve mentioned a few record labels have been interested in signing you recently. Can you share any details about what projects you’re currently developing?

I’m looking at different locations for a permanent home base, but right now I’m working out of a small studio. That means I’m always creating music, and you can expect a lot of new releases in 2026 – exciting things are on the way!

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2026-01-29 22:01