A great documentary can accomplish many things. It can tell a compelling story, provide an in-depth look at the lives of real people, and introduce viewers to a world they may not have even known existed. The new Netflix documentary Going Varsity in Mariachi does all of this. It focuses on the Edinburg North High School Mariachi band. It follows a group of mariachi students and their director during the 2021-2022 school year after spending the previous year and a half at home due to COVID-19 lockdowns. The students aim to win top mariachi honors in Texas. This film offers an incredible glimpse into a unique subculture, seen through the eyes of young people as they explore their history and cultural heritage.
The film opens with Isabella Luna, the newly appointed group leader, preparing for her first day back at school after a long break. She is excited about her new role but also concerned about her team’s state. Many team members have never even been in the same room, let alone played together. Bella has been looking forward to this moment throughout high school. She is determined to do everything she can to help lead her team, ready to face any obstacles that come their way.
Mariachi Director Abel Acuña shares mixed emotions about the start of the year. He begins his first class by teaching the group how to fully express themselves during a grito. This loud yell signifies pride and excitement. The students are enthusiastic to be back in the classroom. However, the reality of what it will take to unite the band soon sets in, and challenges arise, revealing that the band is not yet prepared for the major competitions ahead.
Mariachi differs from band or football, where each student has a clearly defined role. In a mariachi band, everyone is responsible for the music, singing, and appearance. Before a big performance, Acuña reminds the group of these responsibilities. “There are two people in the audience we are trying to please, the blind person and the deaf person,” he said. “You have to play beautifully for the blind person, and you have to look beautiful for the deaf person.”
Acuña’s natural talent as a teacher is clear in these scenes, where he motivates the students. He demonstrates that to achieve success, they must remain hyper-focused on every aspect of their craft.
A powerful moment followed a disappointing evaluation when Mr. Acuña asked the class what mariachi meant to them. One student delivered a tearful speech, sharing that he had never felt close to his culture until he joined the team. Another student recalled the first time she heard mariachi music at a funeral. She was moved by how the mariachi musicians evoked deep emotions in the older attendees, raising the volume of their music as the cries grew louder. This experience highlights what Mr. Acuña is offering them. Not only are they reconnecting with a vital part of their rich culture and history, but they are also carrying on the traditions that unite them. Additionally, they received a trophy from a major competition, proving that their dedication and effort were well worth it.
The underdog story is particularly compelling in the hands of directors Sam Osborn and Alejandra Vasquez. The film successfully engages those unfamiliar with mariachi music and those who have grown up with it. However, the filmmakers’ real focus lies in its cultural significance. Osborn and Vasquez began collaborating on short films eight years ago, starting with a series that explored food and culture. “We were thinking about cultural stories — there is a cultural significance of getting together and eating,” Vasquez said. “It brought us to mariachi in a funny way, when we were filming in El Paso, we saw these mariachi UIL programs were really taking off.”
After a successful festival run, the film debuted on Netflix in the summer of 2024. It has garnered millions of viewers and shed light on the challenges faced by these programs. One of the film’s main themes is the lack of funding for the band to participate in competitions, which forces the students to resort to fundraising. However, when mega-star Kelly Clarkson watched the film, she visited the Valley and helped them raise thousands of dollars for the program.
Now that some time has passed, those involved have had the opportunity to reflect on the whirlwind experience. Acuña, however, is grateful that people have seen what the kids go through to be competition-ready. “A lot of people say they didn’t know what it took,” he laughs. “The kids get so into it. They get into their culture. It’s really beautiful.”
