In the Documentary Spotlight category of films at the SXSW Film & Television 2025 festival this week, American Sons follows a group of veteran Marines as they overcome their past traumas and mourn the loss of their fellow soldiers and closest friend, Corporal JV Villarreal. American Sons brings a deep and personal dive into the long-lasting effects of war impacting our U.S Veterans. At its core, the film is an important and exact exploration of brotherhood, resilience, community and a call to action for us to ensure our soldiers are cared for once they are back from duty.
Directed by Andrew James Gonzales
Executive Produced by Sandie Viquez Pedlow and Leslie Fields-Cruz
Produced by Laura Varela, Andrew James Gonzales, and Elizabeth Avellan
American Sons is a documentary that features Marine Cpl. Jorge “JV” Villarreal killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan, among many others who served. It is Villarreal’s own hours of video and narration that tell their story. Filmmakers Gonzales and Varela have created a very insightful and enlightening film, not only of Marine Cpl. Villarreal, but his fellow Marines after their deployment to Afghanistan and return to civilian life.
Marine Cpl. Jorge “JV” Villarreal’s mother, sister and other family/friends provide their stories about “JV” from his youth to his death. Watching the footage that Villarreal left behind from his life in Texas to the active-duty responsibilities in Afghanistan provide his firsthand account of life as a soldier.
It is never easy to watch someone who is in grief, especially a mother who has lost a son at any age. She speaks with pride of her son, but also of those who served with “JV” who returned and created a loving community of support for his family, despite what they are going through themselves.
It is a film I thoroughly recommend and there are opportunities forthcoming.
After the screenings at SXSW, the film will be screened at the Houston Latino Film Festival on March 14, 2025. According to the film’s website, it is slated for viewing on PBS in 2026. Check the film’s website for news of events in San Antonio and/or other venues. Americansonsfilm.com
Source: SXSW, American Sons film website