Emily Rios plays Magdalena in the 2006 film Quinceañera.
Magdalena is a pregnant teenager whose family becomes central to the movie’s story. After her conservative relatives reject her, she moves in with her cousin Carlos and Carlos’s older partner, uncle Tomas. The film follows their changing family relationships as Magdalena prepares for her quinceañera.
Rios was a young American actress when the film was released. Her performance helped draw attention to the movie’s portrayal of Mexican American family life, sexuality, religion, and community in Los Angeles.
The film is sometimes confused with reality television programs about elaborate birthday parties. Quinceañera is a scripted independent drama, not a documentary or competition series.