Abel Acuña
Overview
A year in the life of an underdog competitive high school mariachi band in the Texas borderlands.
Cast
Reviews
4 min readThe Quiet Revolution of a Trumpet’s Cry
I didn’t expect to care this much about a high school mariachi band. Not because the idea is unworthy—on paper, it’s a perfect documentary premise, the kind that promises underdog triumphs and cultural pride—but because I’ve seen the formula before. The plucky kids, the gruff but wise mentor, the big competition that looms like a narrative deadline.
It’s the kind of story that, in lesser hands, can feel like a checklist of inspirational beats. But Going Varsity in Mariachi isn’t interested in easy uplift. It’s a film about the weight of tradition, the cost of ambition, and the way music can be both a lifeline and a burden.
And it does something rare: it makes you feel the silence between the notes.
Directors Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborn don’t waste time with exposition. There’s no grand introduction to mariachi as a genre, no history lesson about its roots in Mexican folk music or its evolution in the U.S. Instead, the film drops you into the middle of a Texas high school’s mariachi program, where a group of teenagers are preparing for a competition that could change their lives.
The camera lingers on small, telling details: the way a student’s fingers tremble as they tune their violin, the exhaustion in a teacher’s voice as he repeats the same correction for the tenth time, the way a trumpet’s bell catches the light like a promise. These aren’t just establishing shots; they’re the film’s thesis. Going Varsity in Mariachi is about the labor of artistry, the way talent is forged in repetition and frustration, not just in moments of glory.
The film’s greatest strength is its refusal to flatten its subjects into symbols. Abel Acuña, the standout figure among the students, isn’t just a charismatic lead—he’s a kid carrying the expectations of his family, his community, and his own ambitions. There’s a scene early on where he’s practicing alone in a classroom, his trumpet pressed to his lips, his eyes closed.
Audience Opinions
Broad evidence
Audience 7.0/10
"A heartfelt and engaging documentary that resonates with audiences for its authentic portrayal of high school mariachi culture, though some viewers find its pacing uneven and wish for deeper exploration of certain themes."
Going Varsity in Mariachi (2023), directed by Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborn, follows the journey of the mariachi team at Edinburg North High School in Texas as they prepare for competitive performances. The film centers on Abel Acuña and his peers, capturing their struggles, triumphs, and the cultural significance of mariachi music in their lives. Viewers praise the documentary for its genuine depiction of teenage experiences, the emotional weight of the music, and the dedication of the students and their director. Some audience members note that the film occasionally drags, particularly in its middle sections, and a few express a desire for more background on the broader mariachi competition circuit. Russian audience reactions on Kinopoisk echo these sentiments, highlighting the film's emotional impact and relatability, though some commenters mention that the documentary feels more like a niche interest piece rather than a universally compelling story.
What viewers praise
- Authentic and heartfelt portrayal of mariachi culture Viewers appreciate the film's genuine focus on the students' personal journeys, the cultural importance of mariachi music, and the dedication of the team. The documentary is praised for its emotional resonance and relatability, particularly in how it captures the highs and lows of competitive performance.
- Strong emotional impact The film's ability to evoke empathy and pride in the students' struggles and achievements is frequently highlighted. Audiences describe feeling deeply connected to the characters and their stories, with some noting that the music itself carries significant emotional weight.
- Celebration of underrepresented culture The documentary is commended for shining a light on mariachi music as a competitive and cultural force, particularly in a high school setting. Viewers appreciate the film's role in elevating a tradition that is often overlooked in mainstream media.
Common complaints
- Pacing issues Some viewers find the film's pacing uneven, particularly in the middle sections, where the narrative occasionally drags. A few audience members mention that the documentary could have been tighter or more concise.
- Limited scope A few viewers express a desire for more context about the broader mariachi competition circuit, including how other teams compare or the history of the competitions themselves. Some feel the film focuses too narrowly on the Edinburg North team without providing enough external perspective.
- Niche appeal While many find the film emotionally compelling, some audience members, including those on Kinopoisk, note that the documentary may not resonate as strongly with viewers who are not already interested in mariachi music or competitive high school activities.
Recommended for
Fans of music documentaries Viewers interested in cultural and educational stories Audiences who enjoy underdog narratives and coming-of-age films Those looking for emotionally resonant, character-driven documentaries
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Going Varsity in Mariachi: How Two Directors Captured the Heart of Texas’ Mariachi Scene
Going Varsity in Mariachi (2023) isn’t just a documentary—it’s a love letter to a musical tradition that’s thriving in an unexpected place: Texas high schools. Directed by Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborn, the film follows the Edinburg North High School Mariachi Oro as they compete for a state championship, blending competition, culture, and coming-of-age drama. But how did this story land on screen, latestnetflix.com maintains, and what did it take to bring it to life?
From Personal Roots to the Big Screen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7ZEmeVIqvs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2e6YBHNp0U
For Vasquez and Osborn, the project was deeply personal. Both directors have ties to Texas and Mexican-American culture, and their connection to mariachi runs deeper than just a film subject. In interviews, they’ve described the documentary as a way to explore identity, tradition, and the pressures of competition through a lens that’s rarely seen in mainstream media .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWsykY0FU9U
The idea for the film reportedly emerged after Osborn attended a mariachi competition in Texas and was struck by the intensity and passion of the young musicians. He and Vasquez spent months embedded with the Edinburg North team, gaining trust and capturing intimate moments—from rehearsals to rivalries to the emotional highs of performance . Their approach was hands-off but deeply engaged, letting the students’ stories unfold naturally rather than scripting a narrative.
The Challenges of Filming a Competitive Season
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyG0QbcK6dc
Documenting a high-stakes competition isn’t easy, and Going Varsity in Mariachi faced its share of hurdles. The directors had to balance the demands of the team’s rigorous schedule with the unpredictability of documentary filmmaking. In one Q&A, Vasquez mentioned the difficulty of capturing the "right" moments—like a last-minute performance change or a student’s emotional breakdown—without interfering .
Then there was the challenge of access. Not every school or competitor was eager to be filmed, and the directors had to navigate permissions while maintaining authenticity. Osborn has noted that some of the most powerful scenes came from unplanned moments, like a heartfelt conversation between students after a tough loss .
A Star Is Born: Abel Acuña’s Breakout Role
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZsKZbJCmlo
While the film focuses on the entire team, one standout figure is Abel Acuña, a charismatic student whose journey anchors the documentary. Acuña’s on-screen presence—his confidence, vulnerability, and leadership—has drawn comparisons to reality TV stars, but the directors insist his story is entirely real . In interviews, they’ve praised his openness, saying he was willing to share struggles that other students might have kept private .
Acuña’s role in the film has sparked speculation about his future, with some viewers wondering if he’ll pursue music or acting. For now, though, the focus remains on his contributions to Going Varsity in Mariachi—and the impact of his story on audiences.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
Since its premiere, Going Varsity in Mariachi has earned praise for its authentic portrayal of Mexican-American youth culture. Critics have highlighted its emotional depth, vibrant musical sequences, and the way it humanizes a community often overlooked in mainstream media 
. The film’s festival run—including screenings at Sundance London and AFI Fest—has further cemented its status as a standout documentary .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSYepUZMWlc
But beyond awards and accolades, the directors hope the film sparks conversations about representation. In a post-screening Q&A, Vasquez emphasized that mariachi is more than just music—it’s a "cultural lifeline" for many students, offering a sense of belonging in spaces where they might otherwise feel invisible .
What’s Next for the Directors?
With Going Varsity in Mariachi making waves, fans are curious about Vasquez and Osborn’s next project. While neither has announced a follow-up, they’ve hinted at a continued focus on underrepresented stories. Osborn has mentioned an interest in exploring other competitive subcultures, while Vasquez has expressed a desire to delve deeper into Latinx narratives .
For now, though, their debut documentary remains a testament to the power of storytelling—and the enduring spirit of mariachi.
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