“This documentary is a glimmer of hope”: Denisse Guerrero

For nearly two decades, Denisse Guerrero has been the face of Belanova. A figure wrapped in synthesizers, pop aesthetics, and an exuberant stage energy. However, behind the carefully constructed image, an untold story was brewing. That deeply human narrative was revealed in "Murió la fantasía," the documentary that reveals her own emotional core.

At the recently concluded Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG), Denisse experienced a pivotal moment when she first saw the feature film that documents her emotional healing process and struggle with mental health . Surrounded by family and friends, the singer confronted a more vulnerable and authentic version of herself than the one the public knew.

“This is the first time I'm going to see this documentary. I'm nervous and excited. It touches on vulnerable places in my life. It'll be a bit overwhelming to watch, but I hope people enjoy it,” she said before entering the theater, in a confession that foreshadowed the film's emotional honesty.

An unfiltered experience

The documentary wasn't filmed from a script or under the guise of a show, and that was precisely what worried Denisse the most. “The truth is, I was really scared,” she confessed in an interview with EL INFORMADOR after watching it. “It's strange to be constantly watching yourself on a screen, and above all, this wasn't scripted or anything. I was used to, for example, having interviews, making a video, appearing on a program and performing a song, but I had never shown people my mom's house, my problems, things that were so real in my life.”

The public exposure of such intimate details represented a significant emotional challenge. However, as the minutes in the courtroom passed, Denisse began to experience a reconciliation with the vulnerable version she saw projected. “I felt good, it was only for a moment, but as I watched it more, I felt at ease. Maybe I'm in a very good place, where I accept myself more. It was beautiful, and above all, I'd like to give people a message of hope through this documentary.”

Breaking the stigma

Mental health has historically been stigmatized in many societies, and Denisse knows this. Part of the goal of her participation in "Fantasy Died" is precisely to break down this persistent taboo.

“People do come to interview me, and I feel like there's still a certain morbid curiosity about mental health, and I think it's essential,” she said. “I believe that by having good mental health we can have a better life, and I think it's still a kind of taboo. I'm sure there are many people who are living their lives halfway by not speaking out loud about what's happening to them.”

For her, the normalization of human emotions and mental processes is not only urgent, but necessary. “We are integral beings—mind, body, and soul. Don't be afraid to talk about it, because when you address this topic, you will be able to live more fully.”

"It's an invitation to stop hiding these things, that absolutely nothing is happening," the artist points out.

A new musical stage

Away from the pop music spotlight that shaped Belanova's visual and sonic identity, Denisse Guerrero has embarked on a more intimate musical journey, with a renewed and personal approach. Her new solo work reflects the internal process she has undergone during her retirement and transformation.

“I had the opportunity to work with so many composers and producers who, in some ways, pushed me out of my comfort zone, because I was used to working for 20 years with Edgar and Richie in Belanova,” she explained. “I do feel it generated different sounds, different parts of me as an artist, as a composer.”

Songs like "Vida Simple," composed with David Aguilar, are part of this new artistic face. "This song is very much in line with the documentary 'Murió la fantasía.' I wanted to break away from the glamorous situation I'd experienced with the 'Vida en Rosa Tour' and show people a more vulnerable Denisse."

During the Maguey Award ceremony , she also previewed "Honestamente," a song written with Pablo Preciado and produced by a Swedish producer, which will be officially released on June 19.

Beyond the stage

Far from chasing the spotlight again for vanity or commercial success, Denisse finds a deeper meaning in her current career: sharing her experience as a testimony of life.

“These kinds of things are truly worthwhile. Beyond success, top spots, or touring, there are human things that come from the heart and make a noticeable difference in other people's quality of life,” he said.

Aware of the impact her story can have on others going through similar crises, Denisse sees her work as a kind of emotional support.

“The heart of this documentary was to tell people that if I could get through this difficult time related to mental health and depression, you can too. It's like a glimmer of hope that I want to share,” he concludes.

The maternal impulse

One of the strongest pillars in Denisse 's life has been her mother. Throughout the documentary, her presence becomes symbolically powerful.

“I always tell my mom that she should have been an artist, not me,” she shared. “My mom is a very Sinaloan woman, I feel even more Sinaloan than I am. She was a great role model for me: very hard-working, very independent. She may not have been the traditional mother, but she was the mother I needed.”

She acknowledges that her maternal figure gave her the push she needed to leave her native Mazatlán and take professional risks.

"If she hadn't set that example for me, I wouldn't have dared to pursue music, to leave this very traditional city, to take so many risks. My mom has definitely always been a great role model for me," explains the Belanova vocalist.

Select discography with Belanova

• Cocktail (2003): Debut album with Belanova, critically acclaimed for its blend of pop and electronica, crowned by the vocals of Denisse Guerrero. It released singles such as "Tus ojos," "Suele Pasa," and "Aun Así Te Vas."
• Dulce Beat (2005): The group's second production, which also reached the top of the charts thanks to energetic songs like "Me Preguntar," "Por Ti," "Rosa Pastel," and "Niño." Their success crossed Mexican borders and resonated throughout Latin America.
• Pop Fantasy (2007): She debuted with the single "Baila mi corazón," which was a hit even in Spain. Meanwhile, the song "Toma mi mano" was chosen as the soundtrack for the film "Hasta el viento tiene miedo" (Even the Wind Is Afraid) that same year.
• Electro Dream I & II (2010-2011): A two-part sound concept, they sought to experiment with sounds far removed from electropop. Highlights included "Nada Más," "No Me Voy a morir," and "Hasta el Final."

Mental health, a topic that affects celebrities

In a rapidly evolving world that demands constant perfection, talking about mental health is no longer taboo, thanks in part to public voices who have decided to share their personal experiences, such as Denisse Guerrero . In addition to her, a growing number of figures in the entertainment and sports world are using their visibility to raise awareness, break stigmas, and encourage those facing emotional challenges to seek help without fear or shame.

From music to sports, the stories of artists and athletes have helped open spaces of empathy in a society that for decades ignored mental disorders. This isn't just a trend, but a significant cultural shift. Speaking openly about anxiety, depression, or disorders like bipolar disorder is no longer synonymous with weakness, but an act of courage.

Lady Gaga has been one of the pioneers in this global conversation. Through her Born This Way Foundation, she has promoted emotional well-being among young people, combining activism with her own experiences.

Along the same lines, Selena Gomez has made her struggle with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder visible, developing initiatives such as Wondermind and the Rare Impact Fund, focused on democratizing access to mental health care.

The voices of singers like Billie Eilish have also resonated, who has spoken about the impact of fame on her emotional health.

For his part, vocalist J Balvin documented his battle with depression; and Residente, who has addressed the topic from his lyrics to his public statements.

In Mexico, Carla Morrison has been emphatic in sharing how therapy transformed her life, and how her music seeks to support those going through similar processes.

In sports, Spanish footballer Andrés Iniesta 's testimony about depression during his professional career, and gymnast Simone Biles ' decision to prioritize her mental well-being during the Olympic Games, marked a turning point.

Both cases reveal that psychological suffering does not respect fame, achievements or medals.

Demi Lovato , who has become a central voice on this issue for years, has openly shared her experience with addiction, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders, always seeking to build bridges toward understanding.

Ariana Grande , for her part, has channeled her experiences with anxiety into songs like “Breathin” and “Get Well Soon,” filled with messages of hope and comfort.

Even Ed Sheeran has addressed mental health through his music. In “Save Myself,” he reflects on the need to take care of oneself before trying to save others, reminding us that self-care isn't selfish, but a necessary act.

CT