A panel discussion with “Going Varsity in Mariachi” directors and Edinburg North High School Mariachi director takes place Wednesday in the PlainsCapital Bank Theater on the Edinburg campus. Photo Courtesy Gina Palacios
Center of the Borderlands presented a film screening and hosted panel discussion of the documentary “Going Varsity in Mariachi” last Wednesday at the PlainsCapital Bank Theater on the Edinburg campus to celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“Going Varsity in Mariachi” is the recipient of the Jonathan Oppenheim editing award that dives deep into the competitive world of Mariachi in the Rio Grande Valley.
After the screening, the audience was able to engage in a panel discussion about the behind the scenes with the film directors.
Director of the documentary Sam Osborn explained why fellow directors decided to make a documentary about competitive mariachi in South Texas.
“Competitive mariachi felt very unique, very novel, felt like a very surprising thing,” Osborn said. “It seemed very surprising that Texas, which is politically sometimes antagonistic to Mexican-American culture, was pouring public school money into mariachi programs and that just felt very intricateless.”
Director of the film Alejandra Vasquez said the team was aiming to not make the documentary fall into the typical border stereotypes about Mexican Americans.
“And so, I think we were really thinking, ‘OK, let’s show it as it is. Let’s showcase joy, and like a celebration and fun and like these students growing up in this part of the world that is often overlooked,’” she said.
Director for Mariachi Oro de Edinburg North High School Abel Acuna said students view mariachi as a way to reconnect with Mexican culture and associate it with their parents and grandparents.
Director of Center of the Borderlands Gina Palacios said she wanted to close Hispanic Heritage Month, which ended Oct. 15, by screening a film that showcases the pride the Valley has for its Mexican roots.
“It’s honoring the history of where we’re from, the history of both sides, actually, of the border, as well as, yeah, just music,” Palacios said. “And I’ll even say the generational joy of the people of the region.”
To learn more about Center of the Borderlands events, visit its Instagram @utrgv_borderlands.
