ALL FILMS # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

GOING VARSITY IN MARIACHI Documentary

Description
Bios

Description

Screenings to be followed by a conversation with directors Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborn.

In this charming documentary set in the South Texas borderlands, a passionate group of student musicians of varying experience levels come together to form Edinburg North High School’s mariachi team, steered by the unflappable Coach Abel Acuña. As the award-winning team prepares to compete against their rivals at Texas’ most important high school competition, students clash and Coach Acuña struggles to get his team to reach their highest potential. Filmmakers Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborn earnestly observe their young, spirited subjects through a tender lens as they capture the vibrant world of competitive mariachi culture. Filled with lighthearted moments and a nail-biting final act, GOING VARSITY IN MARIACHI is a joy to behold both visually and sonically. Winner of the Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. –Julia Kipnis

Bios

Alejandra Vasquez is a Mexican-American director and producer. Her short works include FOLK FRONTERA (Independent Lens, SXSW Jury Prize Texas Short) and WHEN IT’S GOOD, IT’S GOOD (Latino Public Broadcasting/POV Shorts). GOING VARSITY IN MARIACHI is her directorial feature-length debut.

Sam Osborn is a filmmaker of Mexican-American descent. His debut feature-length documentary, UNIVERSE, was awarded Best Music Documentary by the International Documentary Association in 2021. His second film GOING VARSITY IN MARIACHI premiered at Sundance 2023 and won the Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award for the U.S. Documentary Competition.