“Rebecca,” a new documentary centering on Mexican-American singer and actress Becky G., is more than just a highlight of her accomplishments. Yes, it’s an up-close look at her star’s rise, from her exhilarating first headlining tour to the bold creation of her Musica Mexicana album, Esquinas. But what emerges is a deeper story of a young woman confronting her past and reclaiming her power through personal reckoning, lineage, and forgiveness.
“Rebecca was saved by Becky G.,” she told Variety. “Becky G. was the way I survived, the way I protected myself and my family. She gave me the greatest sense of security when I needed escapism.”
The film, directed by Jennifer Tiexiera and Gabriella Kavanaugh and executive produced by Ryan Croft and Michael Rapino for Live Nation Studios, includes the first candid conversations between Becky and her family about her father’s struggle with addiction and the moment she became the primary provider for her family at just nine years old. The singer also mentioned (albeit indirectly) his ongoing record deal with Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records, which he signed early in his career. Without disclosing the producer’s name, she advises young artists to hire a good lawyer before signing a multi-year contract.
Below, Becky G details how “Rebecca” came to be, why she’s ready to reveal her truth now, and the fun music that’s shaping her next chapter.
Have you ever been given the opportunity to make a documentary? Why was now the right time?
yes. There is such a thing as a great opportunity, but at the wrong time.
You can only meet others as deeply as you meet yourself. I was still working on a lot of things unconsciously. I’ve lived most of my life in a fight-or-flight state, so it wasn’t until I was a little further along in my personal journey that I accepted that it was something I could do. I’ve had a long career, so there’s a lot I haven’t accomplished yet, but I know it’s rude to say it out loud, but I think there’s an advantage to seeing someone’s journey along the way.
Who or what helped you reach that conclusion?
I would like to mention someone who helped me a lot: Karol (G). The year we started filming, she was already playing at the stadium. “B, you’re playing the club. Eyes closed, open – you’re playing the theater. Eyes closed, open – you’re playing the arena. Eyes closed, open – you’re playing the stadium. If I did it, I think you can do it too.”
After filming wrapped, we went on our second headlining tour and sold out our first arena. It felt like a divine alignment. I am so grateful that I was able to trust my instincts and catch myself in the moment.
In this film, your family is incredibly candid about financial hardship, your father’s addiction, and your childhood. How did you prepare to have such a difficult conversation in front of the camera?
During family therapy, my sister often said to me, “You have walked before us for so long in your life, and now we want to walk with you.”
This movie almost practiced surrender…and I thought, “I don’t have to be anything but myself.” And I’ve never really gotten to that point with myself…being a child actor, performer, singer, being in an industry where I have no problem telling people how I should be. I feel a strong sense of pride when I watch this movie. Because I did this movie for no other reason than to find freedom.
Why were Jennifer Tiexiera and Gabriella Kavanagh the right people to direct this project?
You are only as great as the leaders around you. People on the other side of the camera helping to manage safe spaces. As Latin Americans themselves, (Tiexiera) and (Cavanagh) were important in navigating a situation like this where there are many opinions and can be at risk of overproduction. A lot of these moments were literally just me, (Tiexiera), (Cavanagh), and a handheld camera. A lot of the home videos that make up the majority of the film were shot by my mother, so the fact that I’m seen through my mother’s eyes and through a cultural lens throughout much of the film is great.
What did you think of seeing your parents in this movie? They realize how much pressure they put on you at such a young age.
Some people will never understand that…that’s the reality too. It’s the kind of tacit permission that awaits us as we shoulder generations of sacrifices, burdens, and suffering. We wear it with great pride.
It gives us the grit and tenacity to get through life and appreciate what is. I’m also learning that it’s okay to save a little bit for myself. That’s what you see in this movie. You start to really understand that Rebecca was saved by Becky G. After many years, Rebecca will pay it forward for Becky G. That’s where I’m going to put my artistry to work next.
In terms of music, what are your upcoming releases looking like?
Without saying much…my regional album “Esquinas” brought me back to a part of myself that was buried. I had to make peace with those parts. I was so embarrassed that I ran away from them. I even wondered if there was something wrong with me or even with life itself. I thought if I just tried harder and succeeded more, I might be able to overcome everything. However, “Esquinas” gave me the opportunity to lean back and rewrite that story in my own mind.
I would say that the subsequent release (my single “Boomerang”) was the first time I played with the colors of what followed such a cathartic release. Why can’t I sing a Spanish song with Dylan Brady?! I’ve made pop music before, and even fusion pop and reggaeton, but returning to pop music after some much-needed healing felt like discovering a whole new world. And now I just enjoy creating from there.
