Film Lens
American Sons is a 2025 documentary directed by Andrew James Gonzales that follows a group of American Marines ten years after their deployment to Afghanistan. The film focuses on their experiences with PTSD and the grief stemming from the loss of their friend Jorge 'JV' Villarreal, who was killed at the age of 22 in October 2010 while on patrol. Villarreal's first-person video diaries play a significant role in the narrative, providing a personal perspective on the impact of war and loss.
The film premiered at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 8, 2025, and was screened shortly after at the Houston Latino Film Festival on March 14. Produced by Gonzales and Laura Varela, both from San Antonio, Texas, the film was made with a budget of $600,000, supported by various funding sources including Latino Public Broadcasting and Black Public Media.
Why Watch
- •Meet the Marines coping with PTSD.
- •Find out about Jorge Villarreal's video diaries.
- •See the impact of war on friendships.
Did You Know
•The film cost $600,000 to produce.
•Jorge 'JV' Villarreal was killed in October 2010 at age 22.
•American Sons premiered on March 8, 2025, at SXSW.
•The film was screened at the Houston Latino Film Festival on March 14, 2025.
Perfect For
Veterans' storiesPTSD awarenessMilitary history