Selena

Selena

Year: 1997

Runtime: 127 min

Language: English

Director: Gregory Nava

BiographyDramaMusic

Born into a musical family in Texas, Selena Quintanilla’s career blossoms as she performs alongside her father at local events. Her captivating talent and charismatic personality quickly win over audiences, and she finds love with Chris Perez. Their relationship faces challenges due to her father’s reservations. As Selena achieves mainstream success and prepares to release a highly anticipated English-language album, her life is tragically cut short, leaving behind a legacy of music and a devoted following.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Selena (1997)

Trace every key event in Selena (1997) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Rejection at Audition

In 1961, Abraham Quintanilla and his band 'The Dinos' encounter prejudice as they are turned away from a white-owned restaurant due to its 'Whites Only' policy. This rejection highlights the challenges they face in their pursuit of a music career amidst racial discrimination.

1961
2

First Performance at Lerma's

Soon after the audition, the band manages to secure a performance at a nightclub named 'Lerma's,' catering to a Mexican audience. However, their choice to sing 'We Belong Together' leads to chaos and a riot, forcing them to escape from the venue.

Lerma's Nightclub
3

Formation of Selena y Los Dinos

Fast forward to 1981, Abraham is now married with three children, including the talented Selena. He decides to form a new band called Selena y Los Dinos, featuring Selena as the lead singer, marking the beginning of her journey in music alongside her family.

1981
4

The Struggles of Papa Gayo's

Abraham opens a restaurant called 'Papa Gayo's' to provide for his family and encourage Selena to connect with Mexican audiences. Unfortunately, the restaurant fails due to the struggling economy, prompting the family to relocate to Corpus Christi, Texas.

Corpus Christi, Texas
5

Selena's Performance at Local Carnival

In Corpus Christi, Selena attempts to captivate audiences at a local carnival, but her performance does not garner much attention. This indifference becomes a turning point for her career as she struggles to find her footing amidst the local music scene.

Local Carnival
6

Discovery of the Washing Machine Dance

While at the beach, Marcela hears a catchy song and teaches Selena a dance called 'The Washing Machine.' This dance becomes pivotal in propelling Selena and her band into a higher level of popularity, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

Beach
7

Meeting Chris Perez

In 1990, Selena meets guitarist Chris Perez, who quickly becomes a vital force in the band. Their camaraderie sparks a close bond, but Abraham remains skeptical of Chris because of his troubled past, causing tension within the family.

1990
8

Selena and Chris Fall in Love

Despite Abraham's disapproval, Selena and Chris pursue a clandestine romance. In 1992, they elope, surprising everyone, but this unexpected decision ultimately gains Abraham's reluctant support as he prioritizes Selena's happiness.

1992
9

Selena's English-Language Album Proposal

During one of Selena's electrifying performances, the head of EMI Latin, Jose Behar, approaches Abraham with the thrilling proposal of an English-language album for Selena. This moment marks a significant step in her crossover aspirations.

10

Launch of Selena Etc.

By 1994, Selena opens her first boutique named 'Selena Etc.' with her fan club president, Yolanda Saldivar, as the manager. Alongside this entrepreneurial success, Selena's album 'Selena Live!' wins a Grammy Award, affirming her rising star status.

1994
11

Crisis with Fan Club Funds

As 1995 unfolds, Selena learns from Abraham that Yolanda has been embezzling money from the fan club. Confrontations arise at Q-Productions where Selena and her family confront Yolanda, but she defiantly denies any wrongdoing.

1995 Q-Productions
12

Record-Breaking Concert in Houston

On February 26, 1995, Selena performs at the Houston Astrodome to a record-breaking crowd, solidifying her status as a music icon. This electrifying performance reflects her hard work and dedication to her craft, resonating deeply with her fans.

February 26, 1995 Houston Astrodome
13

Tragic Shooting Incident

Tragedy strikes on March 31, 1995, when Selena is shot by Yolanda following a confrontation over misappropriated funds. The horrifying incident occurs at a motel in Corpus Christi, resulting in her untimely death, which sends shockwaves through her family and fans.

March 31, 1995 Motel in Corpus Christi
14

Aftermath and Vigil

In the wake of Selena's death, her family and friends organize a poignant candlelight vigil to honor her memory. The event features a montage celebrating Selena's vibrant life and career, providing a bittersweet farewell to an extraordinary talent.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:34

Unlock the Full Story of Selena

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Selena Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Selena, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Selena Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Selena

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Selena

More About Selena

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More About Selena

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