Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborn’s Going Varsity in Mariachi is a masterful look into the world of UIL Mariachi competitions.
9/10
As I’ve stated before, I was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas on the border by the sea located in The Valley. No, I do not mean those in California but the Rio Grande Valley in deep South Texas where the humidity is a method of torture, you can find the best Mexican food that’s not in Mexico, and where ranchero music is a staple of our culture. When I heard about Going Varsity in Mariachi I was very aware of its subject matter. My high school did not have this program since it was a charter school but all the schools in BISD had their own estudiantina program. When I was in elementary school some of those schools actually came to perform for us. It’s a big part of the culture back home so to see it highlighted in this documentary easily shot it up on my list of most anticipated titles at the 15th annual Houston Cinema Arts Festival.
Going Varsity in Mariachi is directed by the duo behind Folk Frontera, Sam Osborn and Alejandra Vasquez. I had the pleasure of watching their short film Folk Frontera at last year’s Houston Cinema Arts Festival as part of the Borders No Borders short film program. The film is shot by Michael Crommet and edited by Daniela I. Quiroz. The film follows the students in the “Mariachi Oro” (Mariachi Gold) from Edinburg North High School. Some of the students are there because of their passion for the music and some are there for the hell of it. By the end of the film you’ve followed their journey to the top of these competitions and as these students grow a deep appreciation for musica ranchera.
It’s almost impossible for me to gather enough words to describe what I love so much about Going Varsity in Mariachi. Its visual language sets it apart from other documentaries I’ve seen. The frames are always well-composed and colored to bring out the bright colors of the Rio Grande Valley. There are many heartfelt moments within the film from students failing to follow rules, watching students as they get ready for their proms, and of course, the grand moment of watching Mariachi Oro reach second place. The journey is rough for these students but throughout the documentary, they never lose sight of what they want. It’s all powered by their coach, Abel Acuña. Mr. Acuña’s guidance sometimes feels like tough love but it’s always for the best of his students. He reiterates time and time again that there isn’t a “plan b” for them as they’re not a well-funded program. These students need to make the best out of what they have and the film shows that they do.
Going Varsity in Mariachi will go down as one of the best films of the year and as of right now my favorite documentary of the year. I felt all of its warmth as it reminded me of home. At times, I also felt the devastation these students felt knowing they failed. It all makes up for a marvelous third act where it all culminates for them. Make sure to watch Going Varsity in Mariachi when it is released in a cinema near you.
The Nerd Corps 