In the Documentary Spotlight category of films at this week’s SXSW Film & Television 2025 festival, American Sons follows a group of veteran Marines who 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 essential and exact exploration of brotherhood, resilience, and community and a call to action 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. Villarreal’s own hours of video and narration 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, returned to civilian life after their deployment to Afghanistan.
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 Villarreal left behind, from his life in Texas to his active-duty responsibilities in Afghanistan, provides 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 about her son and those who served with “JV” and 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